BOOK YOUR DELEGATE PASSRecent geopolitical events have disrupted energy supplies leaving the world with a trilemma of how to ensure energy security and affordability while staying on track with net-zero commitments. The World Utilities Congress will bring together energy ministers, policymakers, global CEOs and business leaders from around the globe to share their insights and perspectives on the industry affairs today and come up with tangible outputs for the current challenges.
From the big questions, such as the role of the utilities sector in the global energy transition, to practical challenges around water and energy security and hydrogen distribution, to the role of ESG and sustainable finance in the power, water, gas and district cooling, the Strategic Conference programme will be the forum for the industry to come together and address the issues and opportunities that matter.
The strategic conference will also allow industry leaders to directly engage policymakers and discuss the kind of support they need to ensure a secure and sustainable power and water future.
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DIGITAL INNOVATIONMany industries are ramping up efforts to decarbonise their operations and the utilities sector is no exception. The energy transition has become a driver for new business models and capabilities. Falling prices of renewables and technology advancements have made them an attractive alternative to hydrocarbons. In addition, many countries, including China, India, Russia, UAE and Turkey, are turning to nuclear as a reliable clean energy source. Gas/LNG is also continuing to play an important role in the energy transition.
A path toward a carbon-free future requires the industry to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind power by exploring available storage solutions, as well as taking advantage of technologies that help improve energy efficiency and achieve operational excellence. In addition, companies must futureproof their grids in response to increased mass electrification.
To keep pace with increasingly ambitious net-zero targets and commitments, power and water utilities should position themselves as proactive leaders within the energy transition, making themselves an attractive target for new capital investments.
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DECARBONISATION, ENERGY TRANSITION AND COP28Digital technologies are transforming how utilities serve customers, identify market opportunities and plan for long-term growth. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, robotics, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, blockchain, edge computing and other technical innovations enables companies to improve their energy efficiency, reduce equipment failure and optimise demand side management.
Advanced sensors and metering technologies are transforming not only electric and water grids but entire cities. Smart grids handle bidirectional power flows, capture and report large quantities of data, enabling advanced predictive maintenance models, decreased electricity and water losses and lower carbon emissions. The success of smart grids and smart cities depends on the seamless integration of wired and wireless communications amongst all devices, as well as the ability to develop robust cyber security strategies.
Technological advances also call for new capital. Grid investment plans should incorporate a wide variety of new technologies including advanced inverters, grid management and dispatch tools, and grid-level energy storage equipment.
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SUPPLY AND DEMAND DYNAMICSWith multi-billion dollar projects, partnerships lie at the heart of the utilities sector. Many collaboration opportunities are available within the industry, on both regional and global levels. Governments and countries can work together to ensure economic prosperity and security of power and water supplies. Utilities, EPCs, technology providers and consultancies can work together to uncover synergies that will drive efficiency, digital transformation and decarbonisation efforts. Electricity suppliers can partner with customers via distributed generation models to achieve mutual benefits.
Being a global meeting place for the utilities leaders, the World Utilities Congress helps cement the existing partnerships and discover new collaboration and growth opportunities.
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TALENT DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURECustomer-centricity together with technological advances are paving the way for new business models and market structures that support existing and new, non-traditional providers. Modern customers have high expectations from their utilities providers, and utilities of the future should move from selling water and power as a commodity to having a segmented value proposition focused on customer needs. Smart end-to-end networks offer businesses the opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency while enhancing customer service.
Power and water consumers also have an important role to play in the energy transition. By optimising their usage, customers can reduce their bills, take the pressure off grids and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Utilities providers need to develop comprehensive demand side management models that will empower customers to be active participants in the energy transition.
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RAISING CAPITAL AND PROJECT FINANCEGlobal population growth, economic development and rapid urbanisation are increasingly impacting the power and water sectors, as demand for electricity and water grows and the pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rises. The increased demand makes water scarcity an important issue that go vernments and industry leaders need to address, finding alternative sources to depleted groundwater, which can be enabled by advances in water desalination, water treatment solutions and demand side management.
Many countries are also moving from a linear centralised distribution system to a more flexible, complex and decentralised system, generating major investment opportunities, for existing and new players. To effectively incorporate distributed energy resources (DER) into the grid utilities should adapt their tariff schemes to acknowledge different types of customers, define a solution for DER technical integration and put in place process and organisational changes to make all the pieces work together.
Circular Economy frameworks offer utilities the opportunity to transform their value chains, reducing or eliminating waste, reusing and recycling resources, which in turn can improve efficiencies, reduce costs and decrease carbon emissions. Existing business models need to evolve to enable equipment re-purposing or recycling, better heat waste recovery, carbon capture and use, and improved water cycle management systems.
- Monday 08 May 2023 Day One
- Tuesday 09 May 2023 Day Two
- Wednesday 10 May 2023 Day Three
10:30 - 11:00
Opening ceremony
Monday 08 May 2023
10:30 - 11:00
Opening ceremony
12:00 - 13:00
Strengthening ambition on route to COP28 and beyond
Ministerial session
The UAE has committed to a stricter Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of COP 28, aiming to cut its carbon emissions 31% by 2030. What are other countries doing to reduce their carbon footprint? What mechanisms can ensure that decarbonisation pledges come into action and which regulatory measurements can help? What is the role of public-private collaboration in advancing towards net-zero? What can the utilities industry learn from other sectors that will help accelerate its energy transition?
Attendee insights:
Energy ministers discuss regional and national commitments to reducing emissions ahead of COP28.
Monday 08 May 2023
12:00 - 13:00
Strengthening ambition on route to COP28 and beyond
The UAE has committed to a stricter Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of COP 28, aiming to cut its carbon emissions 31% by 2030. What are other countries doing to reduce their carbon footprint? What mechanisms can ensure that decarbonisation pledges come into action and which regulatory measurements can help? What is the role of public-private collaboration in advancing towards net-zero? What can the utilities industry learn from other sectors that will help accelerate its energy transition?
Attendee insights:
Energy ministers discuss regional and national commitments to reducing emissions ahead of COP28.
14:00 - 15:00
Building momentum on the road to net zero
Global Leadership Panel
Many companies have developed strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero within the next 10-20 years. However, the altered economic landscape has posed new challenges in achieving the set targets. As gas prices have increased and supplies have become unstable, how can companies keep on track with their net-zero pledges? How can nuclear energy contribute to this changing energy landscape – will it be a key player in mitigating the energy crisis without compromising on decarbonisation goals? Will fossil fuels see a new comeback due to the increasing pressure to stabilise the energy supply and maintain affordability for end users?
Attendee insights:
Business leaders take the stage to discuss market dynamics and how businesses are keeping with their net-zero commitments in the current market landscape.
Monday 08 May 2023
14:00 - 15:00
Building momentum on the road to net zero
Many companies have developed strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero within the next 10-20 years. However, the altered economic landscape has posed new challenges in achieving the set targets. As gas prices have increased and supplies have become unstable, how can companies keep on track with their net-zero pledges? How can nuclear energy contribute to this changing energy landscape – will it be a key player in mitigating the energy crisis without compromising on decarbonisation goals? Will fossil fuels see a new comeback due to the increasing pressure to stabilise the energy supply and maintain affordability for end users?
Attendee insights:
Business leaders take the stage to discuss market dynamics and how businesses are keeping with their net-zero commitments in the current market landscape.
15:00 - 16:00
Fostering next generation innovation
Global Panel Discussion
Innovations in technology and business models are essential to build a net-zero world, presenting growth prospects for companies that take action. The utilities industry must become more agile and efficient, exploring distinct delivery methods and business models and use advanced technology to future-proof their operations to meet the challenges of tomorrow. What steps can be taken to encourage research and development in the power and water utilities industry? How can power and water utilities collaborate with startups and technology companies to foster innovation? What can be done to create an innovation culture within power and water utilities? In what ways can power and water utilities partner with universities and research institutions to drive innovation? How can digital technologies be leveraged to improve operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in the power and water utilities industry?
Attendee insights:
Business and industry leaders share insights on how a new wave of thinkers is reshaping the utilities.
Monday 08 May 2023
15:00 - 16:00
Fostering next generation innovation
Innovations in technology and business models are essential to build a net-zero world, presenting growth prospects for companies that take action. The utilities industry must become more agile and efficient, exploring distinct delivery methods and business models and use advanced technology to future-proof their operations to meet the challenges of tomorrow. What steps can be taken to encourage research and development in the power and water utilities industry? How can power and water utilities collaborate with startups and technology companies to foster innovation? What can be done to create an innovation culture within power and water utilities? In what ways can power and water utilities partner with universities and research institutions to drive innovation? How can digital technologies be leveraged to improve operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in the power and water utilities industry?
Attendee insights:
Business and industry leaders share insights on how a new wave of thinkers is reshaping the utilities.
16:00 - 17:00
Exploring the role of utilities in decarbonising industrial demand
Global Panel Discussion
Industrial demand is one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, and utilities can play a vital role in decarbonising that demand. How can utilities work with industry to develop and implement energy-efficient technologies and practices? What are demand response programs, and how can utilities use them to reduce the carbon footprint of industry? What is carbon capture and storage, and how can utilities invest in these technologies to reduce industrial emissions? How can green hydrogen be used to decarbonise industrial demand?
Attendee insights:
Understand how new levels of cooperation between utilities and industry can foster decarbonisation.
Monday 08 May 2023
16:00 - 17:00
Exploring the role of utilities in decarbonising industrial demand
Industrial demand is one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, and utilities can play a vital role in decarbonising that demand. How can utilities work with industry to develop and implement energy-efficient technologies and practices? What are demand response programs, and how can utilities use them to reduce the carbon footprint of industry? What is carbon capture and storage, and how can utilities invest in these technologies to reduce industrial emissions? How can green hydrogen be used to decarbonise industrial demand?
Attendee insights:
Understand how new levels of cooperation between utilities and industry can foster decarbonisation.
10:00 - 11:00
Geopolitics and water-energy security: assessing impact
Ministerial session
Recent events have significantly impacted energy supply and demand dynamics resulting in rising prices for consumers and end users globally. With multiple droughts around the world, how can countries ensure reliable and affordable access to electricity, gas, and water supplies? What policies can be put in place to protect consumers from increasing electricity and gas bills? What potential solutions exist to address the intersection of geopolitics and water-energy security and ensure sustainable energy and water supplies for the future?
Attendee insights:
This key session will elaborate on the reliability and affordability of power and water supplies.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
10:00 - 11:00
Geopolitics and water-energy security: assessing impact
Recent events have significantly impacted energy supply and demand dynamics resulting in rising prices for consumers and end users globally. With multiple droughts around the world, how can countries ensure reliable and affordable access to electricity, gas, and water supplies? What policies can be put in place to protect consumers from increasing electricity and gas bills? What potential solutions exist to address the intersection of geopolitics and water-energy security and ensure sustainable energy and water supplies for the future?
Attendee insights:
This key session will elaborate on the reliability and affordability of power and water supplies.
11:00 - 11:30
Pursuing energy security and sustainability in parallel
Industry Dialogue
Energy security and sustainability are both critical priorities for governments, businesses, and industry. What are the key drivers of energy security and sustainability, and how can they be balanced? Are new supply dynamics forcing decision makers to prioritize one over the other? Or can they remain parallel pursuits? What role are renewables playing in the delivery of energy security? What are the barriers to achieving both energy security and sustainability, and how can they be overcome?
Attendee insights:
Learn about energy security and sustainability in the current energy transition scenario.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
11:00 - 11:30
Pursuing energy security and sustainability in parallel
Energy security and sustainability are both critical priorities for governments, businesses, and industry. What are the key drivers of energy security and sustainability, and how can they be balanced? Are new supply dynamics forcing decision makers to prioritize one over the other? Or can they remain parallel pursuits? What role are renewables playing in the delivery of energy security? What are the barriers to achieving both energy security and sustainability, and how can they be overcome?
Attendee insights:
Learn about energy security and sustainability in the current energy transition scenario.
11:30 - 12:30
Decarbonizing cities
Global panel discussion
Urban areas are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and cities must take the lead in the energy transition journey. How we plan, build, manage, and power our cities in the future will dramatically reduce their energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. What are the opportunities to reduce demand for power and water in cities as populations urbanise and adapt to a changing environment? How can technology be leveraged to support decarbonisation efforts in cities? How can renewable energy be integrated into urban infrastructure? How can we ensure that decarbonisation efforts are equitable? What are the economic benefits of decarbonising cities, and how can we ensure that these benefits are realised?
Attendee insights:
Hear from energy leaders and city planners on the opportunities to decarbonise cities.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
11:30 - 12:30
Decarbonizing cities
Urban areas are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and cities must take the lead in the energy transition journey. How we plan, build, manage, and power our cities in the future will dramatically reduce their energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. What are the opportunities to reduce demand for power and water in cities as populations urbanise and adapt to a changing environment? How can technology be leveraged to support decarbonisation efforts in cities? How can renewable energy be integrated into urban infrastructure? How can we ensure that decarbonisation efforts are equitable? What are the economic benefits of decarbonising cities, and how can we ensure that these benefits are realised?
Attendee insights:
Hear from energy leaders and city planners on the opportunities to decarbonise cities.
12:30 - 13:00
No transition without transmission
Industry Dialogue
Reaching net-zero requires accelerated investment in clean energy technologies to reduce, and eventually phase out, reliance on fossil fuels. Policymakers and business leaders need to act now to overhaul carbon-intensive grids and scale-up renewables production and storage capacity. What are the challenges associated with upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure, and how can they be addressed? What role can technology play in optimising transmission infrastructure and improving its efficiency? What is needed to ensure the infrastructure build out remains ahead of the generation capacity additions on the road to net-zero?
Attendee insights:
Hear from industry leaders on the importance of upgrading power transmission infrastructure to support the transition to a clean energy future.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
12:30 - 13:00
No transition without transmission
Reaching net-zero requires accelerated investment in clean energy technologies to reduce, and eventually phase out, reliance on fossil fuels. Policymakers and business leaders need to act now to overhaul carbon-intensive grids and scale-up renewables production and storage capacity. What are the challenges associated with upgrading and expanding transmission infrastructure, and how can they be addressed? What role can technology play in optimising transmission infrastructure and improving its efficiency? What is needed to ensure the infrastructure build out remains ahead of the generation capacity additions on the road to net-zero?
Attendee insights:
Hear from industry leaders on the importance of upgrading power transmission infrastructure to support the transition to a clean energy future.
14:00 - 15:00
Dawn of a new era in the power-water nexus
Global Panel Discussion
Since power plants require large amounts of water and water plants require large amounts of power, both utilities have been intrinsically linked. Given this interdependency, how can water desalination plants help balance peak demand for power? What is the role of Reverse Osmosis in this? How does the introduction of renewable energy sources change the relationship between power and water?
Attendee insights:
Understand the challenges and opportunities of new innovations and technologies to unlock the water-energy nexus.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
14:00 - 15:00
Dawn of a new era in the power-water nexus
Since power plants require large amounts of water and water plants require large amounts of power, both utilities have been intrinsically linked. Given this interdependency, how can water desalination plants help balance peak demand for power? What is the role of Reverse Osmosis in this? How does the introduction of renewable energy sources change the relationship between power and water?
Attendee insights:
Understand the challenges and opportunities of new innovations and technologies to unlock the water-energy nexus.
15:00 - 16:00
Hydrogen – putting the pieces of the puzzle together
Global Panel Discussion
Hydrogen holds significant potential in reducing the world’s reliance on hydrocarbons, abating emissions and getting closer to net-zero. However, what is necessary to be able to realise this potential? Which policies and regulations will accelerate hydrogen adoption? Is hydrogen infrastructure developing fast enough? Where will the money to fund hydrogen developments come from? What technology will help to scale up hydrogen adoption? What is the role of carbon capture in it? And, finally, what will be the major hydrogen use: will it slowly displace gas in electricity production? Will it be used in fuel cells to power electric vehicles? Will it be used as fuel in other industries such as shipping or aviation?
Attendee insights:
Hydrogen leaders convene to discuss the rapidly developing hydrogen economy.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
15:00 - 16:00
Hydrogen – putting the pieces of the puzzle together
Hydrogen holds significant potential in reducing the world’s reliance on hydrocarbons, abating emissions and getting closer to net-zero. However, what is necessary to be able to realise this potential? Which policies and regulations will accelerate hydrogen adoption? Is hydrogen infrastructure developing fast enough? Where will the money to fund hydrogen developments come from? What technology will help to scale up hydrogen adoption? What is the role of carbon capture in it? And, finally, what will be the major hydrogen use: will it slowly displace gas in electricity production? Will it be used in fuel cells to power electric vehicles? Will it be used as fuel in other industries such as shipping or aviation?
Attendee insights:
Hydrogen leaders convene to discuss the rapidly developing hydrogen economy.
16:00 - 17:00
Boosting investment through international partnerships
Global Panel Discussion
Finance and investment are always a vital aspect of any project, especially in a capital-intensive industry like utilities. As the world looks to accelerate the energy transition, innovative and collaborative financing models are needed to mobilise the necessary investments. How can strategic partnerships support securing funds for utilities projects? How can private and public sectors collaborate for mutual benefit? What are investors looking for in hydrogen projects? How can renewable energy investments be de-risked?
Attendee insights:
This session will elaborate on strategies for raising capital in the utilities sector.
Tuesday 09 May 2023
16:00 - 17:00
Boosting investment through international partnerships
Finance and investment are always a vital aspect of any project, especially in a capital-intensive industry like utilities. As the world looks to accelerate the energy transition, innovative and collaborative financing models are needed to mobilise the necessary investments. How can strategic partnerships support securing funds for utilities projects? How can private and public sectors collaborate for mutual benefit? What are investors looking for in hydrogen projects? How can renewable energy investments be de-risked?
Attendee insights:
This session will elaborate on strategies for raising capital in the utilities sector.
10:30 - 11:30
Fueling innovation, securing supply and reducing emissions within water, wastewater and desalination companies
Global Panel Discussion
Water security is a critical part of the energy transition conversation. it is important to adopt integrated water resource management approaches that balance water supply and demand, protect water resources, and ensure equitable access to water. What can be done to ensure successful water management and resilience? How can water and wastewater companies enhance efficiency and what is the role of data and technology? What is the role of water desalination in securing potable water supply globally? Is recycled water a good solution to ensure water security? And finally, as the world is moving towards net zero, what are the pathways to decarbonise the water and wastewater sectors?
Attendee insights:
A closer look at the direction companies need to take to solve challenges within the water and wastewater sectors.
Wednesday 10 May 2023
10:30 - 11:30
Fueling innovation, securing supply and reducing emissions within water, wastewater and desalination companies
Water security is a critical part of the energy transition conversation. it is important to adopt integrated water resource management approaches that balance water supply and demand, protect water resources, and ensure equitable access to water. What can be done to ensure successful water management and resilience? How can water and wastewater companies enhance efficiency and what is the role of data and technology? What is the role of water desalination in securing potable water supply globally? Is recycled water a good solution to ensure water security? And finally, as the world is moving towards net zero, what are the pathways to decarbonise the water and wastewater sectors?
Attendee insights:
A closer look at the direction companies need to take to solve challenges within the water and wastewater sectors.
11:30 - 12:00
Advocating inclusion and diversity within the utilities sector
Industry Dialogue
According to the World Economic Forum, companies in the top quartile of gender diversity in their executive teams outperform their bottom quartile peers in profitability by 25%. When it comes to ethnic and cultural diversity, the figure goes up to 36%. How can businesses make the existing workforce more diverse, reduce the gender gap and make employees feel more included? Which metric and performance goals can help achieve this? Can financial incentives, rewards and recognition play a role in achieving diversity goals?
Attendee insights:
Examining the practical strategies that will help with the inclusion and diversity efforts.
Wednesday 10 May 2023
11:30 - 12:00
Advocating inclusion and diversity within the utilities sector
According to the World Economic Forum, companies in the top quartile of gender diversity in their executive teams outperform their bottom quartile peers in profitability by 25%. When it comes to ethnic and cultural diversity, the figure goes up to 36%. How can businesses make the existing workforce more diverse, reduce the gender gap and make employees feel more included? Which metric and performance goals can help achieve this? Can financial incentives, rewards and recognition play a role in achieving diversity goals?
Attendee insights:
Examining the practical strategies that will help with the inclusion and diversity efforts.
12:00 - 13:00
Satisfying the utilities customer of tomorrow
Global Panel Discussion
Customers today are more informed and aware of the impact of climate change on the planet. What are customers seeking from their utilities providers? How can power, water, gas and district cooling utilities improve customer experience and meet customer needs? How can data help understand customer needs better? What non-utility services can utilities offer to improve customer experience?
Attendee insights:
Discover what customers expect from their utilities providers and how these expectations can be met.
Wednesday 10 May 2023
12:00 - 13:00
Satisfying the utilities customer of tomorrow
Customers today are more informed and aware of the impact of climate change on the planet. What are customers seeking from their utilities providers? How can power, water, gas and district cooling utilities improve customer experience and meet customer needs? How can data help understand customer needs better? What non-utility services can utilities offer to improve customer experience?
Attendee insights:
Discover what customers expect from their utilities providers and how these expectations can be met.
14:00 - 15:00
The role of ESG and sustainable finance in the power, water, gas and district cooling
Global Panel Discussion
Green finance and ESG reporting continue to be at the top of the executive agenda. ESG and sustainable finance play an important role in promoting sustainable and responsible practices, and are imperative to help mitigate the risks associated with climate change, promote sustainable development, and support the transition to a low-carbon, more sustainable future. What is the current role of ESG in identifying, assessing, acquiring, financing and funding utility projects? What are the challenges in ESG reporting and what strategies and policies can help overcome them? What can utilities do to unlock the full potential of green investments, improving national GDP and encouraging Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)?
Attendee insights:
Understand the pivotal role of ESG and green investments in the energy transition.
Wednesday 10 May 2023
14:00 - 15:00
The role of ESG and sustainable finance in the power, water, gas and district cooling
Green finance and ESG reporting continue to be at the top of the executive agenda. ESG and sustainable finance play an important role in promoting sustainable and responsible practices, and are imperative to help mitigate the risks associated with climate change, promote sustainable development, and support the transition to a low-carbon, more sustainable future. What is the current role of ESG in identifying, assessing, acquiring, financing and funding utility projects? What are the challenges in ESG reporting and what strategies and policies can help overcome them? What can utilities do to unlock the full potential of green investments, improving national GDP and encouraging Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)?
Attendee insights:
Understand the pivotal role of ESG and green investments in the energy transition.
15:00 - 16:00
Implementing digital technologies to improve operational efficiency and ensure security within district cooling, power, water and gas utilities
Global Panel Discussion
Digitalisation has been pivotal in transforming the utilities industry. Digital technologies have helped manage costs, improve efficiency, serve customers better and capture new market opportunities. Which technologies in particular are the most relevant to the state of the industry today? What is the role of data in optimising processes and operations and improving customer experience? What are the challenges slowing down the adoption of digital solutions? How can the industry ensure their critical infrastructure, employees and customers are protected from cyber-attacks?
Attendee insights:
Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of digital solutions within the utilities sector.
Wednesday 10 May 2023
15:00 - 16:00
Implementing digital technologies to improve operational efficiency and ensure security within district cooling, power, water and gas utilities
Digitalisation has been pivotal in transforming the utilities industry. Digital technologies have helped manage costs, improve efficiency, serve customers better and capture new market opportunities. Which technologies in particular are the most relevant to the state of the industry today? What is the role of data in optimising processes and operations and improving customer experience? What are the challenges slowing down the adoption of digital solutions? How can the industry ensure their critical infrastructure, employees and customers are protected from cyber-attacks?
Attendee insights:
Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of digital solutions within the utilities sector.
- Monday 08 May 2023 Day One
- Tuesday 09 May 2023 Day Two
- Wednesday 10 May 2023 Day Three
