Tuesday 27 May 2025
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Thursday 29 May 2025
14:30 - 14:50
Wired for growth: can our energy systems handle AI?
Fireside chat
AI is driving a global surge in data center construction and energy demand. The IEA estimates that by 2026, new data centers could consume as much electricity as countries. For power utility companies, this rapid shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. How can they anticipate and plan for the increased capacity needs? What role will they play in enabling the AI revolution — and can they do it sustainably?
Speaker:
Dietmar Siersdorfer
CEO – Middle East & Africa
Siemens Energy
Moderator:
Raul Timponi
Head of EMEA Power & Renewables Consulting
S&P Global Commodity Insights
14:50 - 15:20
Tackling global energy challenges with next-generation energy storage innovations
Innovation showcase
As the energy landscape rapidly evolves, the future of energy storage must extend beyond conventional chemical batteries. This session explores cutting-edge advancements in high-performance supercapacitor technology and other breakthrough innovations transforming the way energy is stored and delivered. From large-scale utility projects to remote microgrids and industrial off-grid applications, discover how adaptive, durable, and efficient energy storage solutions are empowering industries, businesses, and communities to meet the demands of sustainability, reliability, and resilience.
Speaker:
Bilal Sheikh
CMO
Enercap
15:20 - 15:50
Powering resilience: financing local value chains to future-proof utilities
Panel discussion
As the utilities sector undergoes rapid transformation, its resilience hinges on more than just technology; it demands strong local ecosystems. This session explores how strategic financing is unlocking industrial capabilities, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and securing utility supply chains. By embedding localisation into national infrastructure goals, we showcase how empowering homegrown value chains can de-risk operations, enhance energy independence, and position the region as a global clean tech leader. It's not just about powering the grid; it's about powering a future built from within.
Speaker:
Ahmed Al Baqawi
VP – Studies
Saudi Industrial Development Fund
16:10 - 16:30
Decarbonising water assets
Innovation showcase
The impacts of climate change are significantly harsher on global water ecosystems. For water and wastewater utilities, aging networks, rising population, and shrinking freshwater supplies are critical challenges that must be addressed near-term to ensure long-term results. Rapid decarbonisation of the water sector is imperative and achievable. What are water utilities doing to decarbonise their assets and operations? Are these initiatives aligned with SDGs? How does this impact long-term water security, particularly in vulnerable communities?
Speaker:
Julio De La Rosa Jurado
Development Director, Middle East
Acciona
10:30 - 11:00
Data to decisions: building a sustainable water future
Panel Discussion
In an era of growing water stress and climate uncertainty, data is emerging as a powerful tool to shape sustainable water futures. This session will explore how digital technologies such as real-time monitoring, AI, and predictive analytics are empowering utilities, policymakers, and industries to make informed decisions that improve efficiency, reduce losses, and enhance resilience. From smart infrastructure to integrated water resource management, the session will highlight how turning data into actionable insights is key to ensuring long-term water security and sustainability.
Speakers:
Angie Pajak
Chairwoman
Climate Change Mitigation Hub
Lucia Fuselli
CEO
Climate Strategies
Daniel Baaklini
Desalination Deputy Research Program Manager and Senior Expert
ENGIE R&I
Moderator:
Nada Abubakr
Middle East Director
Global Water Practice
11:30 - 12:00
Transforming the energy sector through digital technologies
Panel discussion
As utilities navigate the evolving energy landscape, digital transformation stands at the core of building agile, future-ready infrastructure. This session will bring together key industry experts driving innovation in power systems, automation, and smart infrastructure to discuss how digital technologies are shaping the next chapter of the energy sector. From integrating intelligent grid systems and advanced monitoring tools to enhancing asset management and operational efficiency, experts will explore how digitalisation is not only reducing costs but also strengthening resilience and sustainability. With real-world perspectives from across the value chain, this discussion will highlight the critical role of partnerships, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies in delivering smarter utilities with digital tech.
Speaker:
Stefan Reisacher
CEO
Linxon
Leandro Bertoni
Power System MEA Vice President
Schneider Electric
12:00 - 12:20
India's national masterplan to decarbonise mobility with 5500 km green highway for electric and hydrogen trucks
Innovation showcase
India is charting a bold path to decarbonise freight mobility with a 5,500 km green highway network dedicated to electric and hydrogen trucks, through its national masterplan; National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV). By integrating energy, mobility, and logistics, the initiative is creating a zero-emission freight corridor that positions the country as a global leader in clean transport solutions and green industrial growth. It also demonstrates how public-private partnerships can rapidly deploy future-ready infrastructure, setting a benchmark for scalable, sustainable development.
Speaker:
Abhijeet Sinha
National Program Director
National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV)
12:40 - 13:00
Sector coupling and integrated system planning in high renewable penetration grids
Innovation showcase
In high renewable penetration grids, effective sector coupling and integrated system planning are essential for ensuring reliability and efficiency. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has developed two pivotal frameworks to address these challenges: REGEN and Integrated Strategic System Planning (ISSP). REGEN is a comprehensive model that combines detailed dispatch and capacity expansion analyses of the electric sector with an end-use model representing trade-offs between technologies and fuels across various sectors. This integration facilitates the assessment of policy impacts on the electric sector, considering economy-wide responses. Complementing this, the ISSP framework offers a holistic approach by linking planning analyses across generation, transmission, and distribution systems. This ensures consistency in input assumptions and promotes informed decision-making, particularly crucial in the context of increasing renewable energy integration and the evolving landscape of distributed resources. Together, these frameworks provide a robust foundation for strategic planning in modern, renewable-rich power systems from long-term capacity expansion to real time grid operation.
Speaker:
Gergo Varhegyi
Technical Executive
EPRI International Inc
13:20 - 14:00
Lunch & Networking
14:00 - 14:20
Green governance and sustainable synergy: ESG, regulation, and the future of energy
Fireside chat
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become integral to business continuity, investor expectations, and regulatory compliance. This session explores how energy companies are embedding ESG into governance models, influencing leadership decisions, risk frameworks, and daily operations. As scrutiny intensifies, we'll examine how robust ESG integration fosters trust, attracts long-term capital, and enhances competitiveness. Additionally, the discussion will address how evolving regulations and tariffs align commercial incentives with environmental goals, creating a sustainable synergy between profitability and planet-first practices.
Moderator:
Isha Bhandari
Senior Manager
Efficio Consulting
14:20 - 14:40
Green hydrogen at scale: powering the utility transition to net zero
Innovation showcase
With nations like India charting bold pathways for green hydrogen leadership, the push to scale this clean energy source is gaining global momentum. This session explores how green hydrogen can transform utility operations, decarbonise heavy industries, and support national net-zero goals. From policy direction and infrastructure readiness to technology deployment and financing models, the discussion will unpack what it truly takes to deliver green hydrogen at scale; enabling a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Speaker:
Arjun Mehta
Advisor
Green Hydrogen India
14:40 - 15:00
Accelerating customer service with AI: RCCS complaint pre-analysis
Case study
Discover how AI is transforming customer service through automated complaint pre-analysis. In this session, we will explore how the RCCS (Remote Customer Complaint System) leverages artificial intelligence to analyze incoming customer complaints in real-time. The system generates preliminary responses to assist both call center and backend agents, enabling swift resolution of simple cases and prioritizing complex ones for faster handling. Learn how this approach boosts efficiency, reduces resolution times, and enhances the customer experience.
Speakers:
Gonzalo Dierksmeier
Director Middle East
Minsait Bahrain
Hani AlNajjar
Information Systems Directorate
Electricity & Water Authority
15:00 - 15:20
Optimising water management with technology
Innovation showcase
In a world where nearly one-third of water is lost before it reaches the tap, technology is stepping in to rewrite the story. As utilities face growing demand, aging infrastructure, and climate-driven stress, digital innovation is no longer optional, it's essential. This session explores how IoT, AI, and data analytics are revolutionising water management, enabling real-time monitoring, reducing losses, and ensuring long-term resilience in a water-scarce future.
Speaker:
Hussein Basha
Sr. Application Development Engineer
Borouge
15:20 - 15:40
Driving change - the global shift towards electric mobility
Innovation showcase
Electric mobility is reshaping the transport and energy landscape, offering a cleaner, smarter alternative to traditional systems. As countries set bold targets to reduce emissions, the role of utilities, regulators, and technology leaders becomes critical in scaling EV adoption. This session will unpack the global momentum behind e-mobility; exploring the infrastructure needed to support EV growth, the integration of charging networks into smart grids, and the policies accelerating the shift. From grid readiness to urban innovation, this session will spotlight the collaborative pathways driving the electric mobility revolution forward.
Speaker:
Ahmed Samir Elbermbali
Managing Director MENA Region
CharIN
15:40 - 16:00
Energy breakthroughs - harnessing salinity for sustainable power
Innovation showcase
With rising demand for clean energy, salinity gradient power offers a unique solution, harnessing the natural energy created where freshwater meets seawater. By tapping into this untapped resource through advanced membrane and pressure-retarded osmosis technologies, the industry is turning water chemistry into a sustainable energy stream. This session explores the latest breakthroughs and real-world potential of salinity-based power generation.
10:30 - 11:00
Policy and investment synergies driving the clean energy transition
Panel discussion
The global race to net zero hinges not only on technological innovation but on the alignment of bold policy and catalytic investment. As countries raise their climate ambitions, the intersection of regulatory frameworks and finance is becoming the engine of transformation. This session will explore how governments, financial institutions, and industry leaders are working in tandem to create enabling environments for clean energy deployment; de-risking investment, unlocking capital flows, and fast-tracking infrastructure at scale. With insights into breakthrough partnerships, innovative funding mechanisms, and the evolving role of policy in shaping markets, this session will spotlight the synergies driving a just and accelerated energy transition.
Speakers:
Dr. Jan Haizmann
CEO
ZETA Global
Sufiyan Issa
Global Head of Business Development and Client Coverage
IFC – World Bank Group
Nadia Bardawil
Chief Legal Council
Tabreed
11:00 - 11:30
Decarbonising heavy industries for the future
Panel discussion
Steel, cement, chemicals, manufacturing; these industrial giants form the backbone of modern infrastructure but are also among the hardest sectors to decarbonise. With mounting regulatory pressure, rising investor expectations, and global supply chains demanding greener inputs, the need to act has never been more urgent. The spotlight is now on transformative technologies from scaling green hydrogen and electrifying high-heat processes to deploying CCUS at industrial hubs and embedding circularity across value chains. This isn’t just about meeting climate targets, it’s about future-proofing industrial growth in a carbon-constrained world. This session will bring together those at the forefront of engineering a cleaner, more competitive industrial era.
Speaker:
Vijay Rengaraju
Global Industry Business Manager, New Energies – Power Generation
ABB Energy Industries
Moderator:
Neeraj Mense
Principal Consultant, Energy & Environment Practice
Frost & Sullivan
11:50 - 12:10
Leveraging demand response to enhance grid flexibility
Innovation showcase
As electricity demand continues to rise due to economic growth, electrification, and cooling needs, power systems face increasing pressure — especially with the widespread adoption of solar PV, whose output fluctuates with weather and daylight. This evolving energy landscape calls for more flexible solutions to maintain grid stability and avoid costly investments in new generation and transmission infrastructure. Demand Response (DR) emerges as a key tool to unlock flexibility from the demand side. This session will explore how DR is being deployed globally and regionally. We’ll also look at how DR contributes to energy transition goals, enhancing grid resilience, and supporting the integration of variable renewable energy.
Speaker:
Olivier Baud
Chairman
Energy Pool Development
12:30 - 12:50
Shaping tomorrow: hydrogen projects powering the energy revolution
Innovation showcase
Hydrogen stands as a key driver in the energy sector’s transition to sustainable and renewable solutions. From large-scale green hydrogen initiatives to innovative ammonia projects, these technologies are reshaping global energy landscapes. Discover cutting-edge advancements in hydrogen integration through three pioneering projects by Go2Power. The Electrolyser Plant Connection study revealed how a 215 MW hydrogen facility could seamlessly connect to the high-voltage grid without impacting stability or performance. The Ammonia Plant Connection demonstrated that infrastructure could support up to 800 MW by 2030 without requiring major upgrades, showcasing grid readiness. Lastly, the Optimisation of Green Ammonia Project explored advanced modeling techniques to optimize renewable energy capacities, storage systems, and hydrogen production across diverse grid scenarios. Explore how these projects are unlocking the potential of hydrogen to revolutionize modern energy systems.
Speaker:
Tomo Martinovic
CTO
Go2power
12:50 - 13:10
Driving the clean tech transition through inclusive talent and digital innovation
Fireside chat
As clean technologies redefine the energy landscape, success hinges not just on innovation, but on who’s driving it. This session will explore how the intersection of inclusive talent strategies and digital transformation is reshaping the future of energy. From rethinking workforce pipelines to embedding diversity into every layer of innovation, it’s a call to action for building a sector that’s as dynamic and diverse as the solutions it delivers.
Speaker:
Khawla Al Nuaimi
Human Capital Executive Director
