Strategic Conference Programme 2023

STRATEGIC CONFERENCE

The Strategic Conference serves as a pivotal platform where government ministers, policymakers, and industry CEOs converge to tackle pressing issues and capitalize on emerging opportunities. From overarching inquiries into the utilities sector's role in the global energy transition to pragmatic discussions on water scarcity and hydrogen distribution, this forum is where it all unfolds.

Bringing together global leaders from the power, water, and district cooling utilities, the Strategic Conference aims to chart strategies and implement solutions crucial for decarbonising value chains and integrating future-oriented technologies. Amidst an ever-evolving market landscape and shifting customer demands, leaders will engage in keynotes, ministerial panels, and impactful talks to deliberate on essential considerations for utility modernisation in the face of disruptive change.

With over 85 esteemed speakers offering unparalleled insights and practical wisdom, attendees will gain valuable perspectives and knowledge to navigate the dynamic terrain of evolving energy needs worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity to forge connections and network with industry peers shaping the future of global utilities.

RESERVE YOUR CONFERENCE SEAT

STRATEGIC CONFERENCE THEMES

DIVERSIFYING ELECTRIC UTILITY FOR A SUSTAINABLE GRID

ENHANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCING SCOPES 1 TO 3 EMISSIONS ACROSS THE POWER AND WATER UTILITIES VALUE CHAIN

BOLSTERING DIGITALISATION AND ADOPTION OF CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

UNLOCKING POLICIES TO ADVANCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND TRADE

DE-RISKING SUPPLY CHAINS

MOBILISING INVESTMENTS TO FAST-TRACK PROJECTS

MINISTERIAL PARTICIPATION FROM 22+ COUNTRIES

Her Highness
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan

President and Chief Executive Officer

UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA)

His Excellency
Suhail Bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

United Arab Emirates

His Excellency Awaidha Murshed Al Marar

Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

United Arab Emirates

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud

Minister of Energy

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

His Excellency Yaser bin Ebrahim Humaidan

Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs

Kingdom of Bahrain

Her Excellency Belinda Balluku

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy

Albania

His Excellency Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi

Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy

Egypt

His Excellency Mika Lintila

Minister for Economic Affairs

Finland

His Excellency Péter Szijjártó

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Hungary

His Excellency Jurabek Mirzamahmudov

Minister of Energy

Uzbekistan

His Excellency Walid Fayad

Minister of Energy and Water

Lebanon

His Excellency Romeo Mikautadze

First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development

Georgia

GLOBAL INDUSTRY THOUGHT LEADERS THAT SPOKE

Jasim Husain Thabet

Group CEO & Managing Director.

TAQA

His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi

Managing Director & CEO

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation

Adnan Amin

CEO

28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28)

Luc Rémont

Chairman & CEO

EDF

Lorenzo Simonelli

Chairman, President and CEO

Baker Hughes

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi

CEO

Masdar

Francesco La Camera

Director General

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon

Director General

World Nuclear Association

Eng Ahmed Al Shamsi

Managing Director & CEO

SWS

Ben Backwell

CEO

Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)

Bruno Bensasson

CEO

EDF Renewables

Dr. Afif Al Yafei

CEO

TRANSCO

Jean-Bernard Lévy

Chairman and CEO

EDF

Gauri Singh

Deputy Director-General

IRENA

Khalid Al Qubaisi

CEO

Abu Dhabi Energy Services (ADES)

Bart Boesmans

CTO

ACWA Power

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju

Founder & CEO

DLO Energy Resources Group Pty Ltd

Mohammed Berki Al-Zuabi

CEO

Marafiq

Khalid Al Marzooqi

CEO

Tabreed

Sylvie Jéhanno

CEO

Dalkia, an EDF Group subsidiary

Greg Jackson

Founder and CEO

Octopus Energy Group

Qais Saud Al Zakwani

CEO

Oman Water & Wastewater Services Company

Paul Sakrzewski

CEO

Copperleaf

Renaud Capris

CEO

Enova

Jeremy Crane

CEO

Yellow Door Energy

Laurent Longuet

CEO

SirajPower

The congress was an important event on the road to COP28. It gathered all key stakeholders of the utility sector and provided a great opportunity for pragmatic dialogue and joint action. I was happy to highlight the essential role of nuclear energy to bring socio-economic prosperity and decarbonize the entire economy, including electricity, heat and fresh water, at a time when it is clear that we will not reach net-zero target without bringing all hands on deck.

Dr. Sama Bilbao y León

Director General
World Nuclear Association, United Kingdom

The World Utilities Congress was a melting pot of intellect, innovation, and inspiration. It provided a platform to engage in vibrant discussions sharing expertise and strategizing alongside the titans of the industry.

Hebah Abbas

Sustainability Committee Chairwoman
Kuwait Water Association

The World Utilities Congress is a great way for leaders from both the public and private sectors to meet, share insights and discuss ways to collaborate. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak about how businesses can decarbonise their operations. Together, we can progress towards net-zero.

Jeremy Crane

CEO
Yellow Door Energy

“It gives me great pleasure to chair the 2024 Technical Committee for the World Utilities Congress and contribute to shaping the technical sessions that will support the industry’s energy transition.
The Technical Conference focuses on discussing both the obstacles and prospects within the utilities sector, emphasising innovative approaches to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.”