AGENDA TOPICS IN FOCUS
Conventional Power Generation
Achieving clean energy capacity and sustainable power solutions
Plant Management, Performance & Operations
Decarbonisation and Effective carbon capture solutions
Renewables – Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass conversion, Geothermal
Hybrid Renewable Microgrid Solutions / Distributed energy resources (DERs)
Steam Power Generation, CHP
Renewable-grid integration
Distributed Generation in power systems
Waste Management
Grid connection
Cooling systems
Emission Control Systems
Adoption of renewable technologies with PPP
Future of Nuclear energy
Modular Nuclear Reactors
Power flexibility
Energy storage
Demand and supply
Green financing
Blockchain
Monday 16 September 2024
Tuesday 17 September 2024
Wednesday 18 September 2024
THEME: INNOVATIONS IN POWER GENERATION
14:00 - 14:40
Powering tomorrow through sustainable power generation
Panel Discussion
With constraints on investments and concerns around sustainability, power utilities need to keep pace with decarbonisation trends and methods to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions urgently. Convening industry leaders from power utilities, this panel will provide valuable perspectives on the current trends and best strategies for decarbonisation with a focus on renewable and low carbon energy production, energy storage, and grid advancements.
14:40 - 15:00
Enhancing traditional power sources with turbine innovations
Innovation Showcase
Improving efficiency of traditional power sources is essential for environmental preservation and sustainable practices. Turbine technologies play a significant role in this endeavor, and are integral to various power generation systems, such as thermal power plants and gas turbines. This session will explore turbine technologies that are revolutionising conventional power sources, leading to increased efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
15:00 - 15:20
Transforming power grids with smart technology
Innovation Showcase
Smart grid technologies are crucial for managing the increasing electricity demand and integrating variable renewables into power grids. By optimising energy distribution and enhancing grid performance, smart grids can mitigate the need for expensive new infrastructure, while improving resilience and reliability. This session highlights the transformative potential of smart grids in building a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure for the future.
Speaker:
Khaled Gamal Selim
Head of Sales, Middle East and Africa – Power & Grid
Schneider Electric
15:20 - 15:40
Shaping energy policy and regulation for a sustainable future
Innovation Showcase
Amidst the power generation sector's shift towards cleaner energy sources, utilities encounter the task of navigating dynamic regulatory environments. Success in this transition hinges on grasping the latest trends and adopting optimal regulatory practices. Through proactive engagement and awareness, utilities can strategically position themselves for a sustainable and dependable power generation landscape. The session will examine stakeholder engagement, governmental roles and the significance of transparent regulatory frameworks in supporting the development of renewables in each sector, including power generation, and heating and cooling.
15:40 - 16:00
Power trading: from source to sink
Innovation Showcase
Power trading is a critical component of the global energy landscape, impacting businesses and consumers alike. The IMF's latest report suggests "higher-for-even-longer interest rates" due to escalating trade tensions, affecting investment and financing. Economic recovery in Europe and China could spur demand and trading activity, but increased industrial policies and geopolitical tensions may introduce volatility. How are power trading markets evolving, and how is renewable energy integration transforming the landscape? What role do advancements in energy storage, digital platforms, and AI play? This session explores the challenges and opportunities that define the future of power trading.
16:00 - 16:20
Advancing the integration of renewable energy into the grid and addressing the challenges of energy storage
Innovation Showcase
As we strive towards a sustainable energy future, the integration of sources like solar and wind power is paramount for reducing carbon emissions. However, the intermittent nature of renewables poses challenges in maintaining a consistent power supply. Energy storage systems emerge as crucial solutions, storing excess energy during peak production and releasing it during low periods, ensuring grid stability and supporting the transition to clean energy. The session will delve into key aspects such as the significance of energy storage, case studies, implementation strategies, technological advancements, and policy considerations, providing invaluable insights and guidance for a smooth transition towards a clean energy future.
Speaker:
Dr. Muhammad Wakil Shahzad
Associate Professor and Head of Subject
Northumbria University
16:20 - 16:40
Permanently mineralise emissions to profits: decarbonising power and desalination
Case Study
Envision a breakthrough in the decarbonisation of power generation assets and the remineralisation of CO2 in water desalination. Discover how Carbonetics advanced carbon capture technology, along with GAS LAB's proven CO2 utilisation processes, can pave the way for a profitable and sustainable decarbonisation of global power generation facilities. This insightful session will help attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of carbon capture and utilisation technologies, along with concrete implementation strategies to kickstart global utilities decarbonisation efforts.
Speaker:
Yash Agarwal
Founder
Carbonetics Carbon Capture
THEME: RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION AND FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES
11:00 - 11:40
Overcoming renewable energy integration challenges in 2024 and beyond
Panel Discussion
Rapid renewable energy capacity expansion worldwide poses unique integration hurdles for power grids. Yet, with innovative solutions and smart systems, operators can efficiently manage renewable capacity and balance supply and demand. Collaboration with technology providers and policymakers paves the way for smarter, more resilient grids, addressing challenges and embracing the clean energy transition head-on. This session will look at integrating renewables into grids and how operators need to rethink their planning approaches and tools to tackle network and value chain challenges.
Moderator:
Hassan Zaheer
Chief Operating Officer
PTR
11:40 - 12:00
Process simulation: key to project success
Innovation Showcase
Process simulation is fundamental to achieving project success in plant design and modification. This session will explore how engineers can leverage simulation tools to create optimal designs by evaluating proposed configurations across the entire range of expected operating conditions. Participants will learn how accurate predictions of plant capacity and fuel consumption under anticipated conditions for the upcoming days or weeks are vital. This foresight helps mitigate the risk of overcommitting plant capacity and ensures timely action in case of performance issues.
Speaker:
Dr. Josef Petek
Manager Commercial Operations
Enexsa
12:00 - 12:40
Electrifying industries: shaping the future energy landscape
Panel Discussion
As industries expand rapidly, managing energy consumption during grid strain or excess renewable energy becomes vital. With utility support, there is a need to invest in technologies for this future. Amidst the global shift towards sustainability, electrifying industries gain significance, tackling challenges like carbon emissions and energy efficiency. Experts explore strategies to align industries with sustainability goals, emphasising collaboration, innovation, and investment as key drivers for achieving targets and staying competitive in the evolving energy landscape.
Speaker:
Mahmoud El-Dessouky
Marketing Director – Power Systems, Gulf Countries
Schneider Electric
12:40 - 13:00
Waste to Energy - advancing sustainable solutions for a cleaner energy future
Case Study
Rapid population growth, urbanisation, and economic expansion have led to a significant rise in waste generation, posing environmental challenges. Governments globally are implementing initiatives to tackle this issue, while Waste-to-Energy (WtE) solutions offer economic, social, and environmental benefits by efficiently utilising resources, reducing emissions, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. Join us to explore innovative WtE technologies that can accelerate the growth of clean energy and meet climate goals.
14:00 - 14:20
Managing the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and their impact on the grid
Innovation Showcase
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of EVs on the road is expected to reach 145 million by 2030, resulting in a considerable rise in electricity consumption for charging purposes. The rising adoption is transforming both the automotive industry and the energy landscape, significantly impacting grid capacity and stability. This session will focus on tackling the challenges and opportunities presented by EVs crucial for utilities to optimise grid operations, bolster reliability, and facilitate renewable energy integration.
14:20 - 14:40
Harnessing Sunlight for Tomorrow's Power
Project Showcase
Solar energy has been one of the fastest-growing sources of new energy in the world for many years now and is increasingly popular for generating electricity, and heating or desalinating water. Discover the future of power generation with our solar project showcase, where innovation meets sustainability. From expansive solar farms to elegant rooftop installations, explore the diverse array of solar projects revolutionising the energy landscape.
Speaker:
Dr. Zafar Said
Associate Professor - Department of Sustainable Renewable Energy Engineering
University of Sharjah
14:40 - 15:00
Monitoring the progress and potential impact of fusion energy on the power sector
Innovation Showcase
In the pursuit of sustainable energy, nuclear fusion presents a revolutionary promise, offering abundant and eco-friendly power by merging atoms to unleash immense energy. Overcoming the technical hurdles associated with achieving a controlled, sustained fusion reaction demands immense expertise, engineering innovation, and international collaboration. Nonetheless, recent advancements in fusion research have reinvigorated hopes of a practical, net energy-generating fusion system in the not-so-distant future. This session stresses the need for ongoing investment, innovation, and collaboration to unleash its full potential and address pressing challenges in climate change, energy security, and sustainability.
15:00 - 15:20
Powering the future with battery storage
Innovation Showcase
Amid rising energy demands and environmental concerns, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are pivotal in reshaping energy infrastructure, addressing grid stability and renewable energy integration. This session will highlight the need for continued innovation, regulatory reforms and strategic partnerships. It will also explore the dynamics, trends, and future outlook of the BESS market.
15:20 - 15:40
Wind energy excellence: showcasing innovations and projects in the renewable frontier
Project Showcase
Wind power has grown rapidly, driven by R&D, supportive policies and falling costs. Both onshore and offshore wind still have tremendous potential for greater deployment and improvement, globally. This session will spotlight various initiatives showcasing the potential of wind energy and the innovative approaches propelling its evolution.
15:40 - 16:00
Pioneering innovative models for renewable energy adoption in utilities
Innovation Showcase
The integration of renewable energy sources into power generation utilities is essential for addressing climate change, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development. As we strive to achieve this, public-private partnerships (PPPs) emerge as a key strategy. These collaborations leverage the expertise, resources, and innovation of both sectors, accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. The discussion will look at successful PPP models, financing strategies, and policy frameworks, shedding light on best practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
16:00 - 16:20
Securing the grid: enhancing cybersecurity measures for AI and ML-driven power generation
Innovation Showcase
As the power generation sector increasingly integrates advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the threat of cybersecurity breaches looms larger. Safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive data against cyber-attacks is paramount for ensuring grid stability, energy security, and national safety. Through this session, experts will explore AI and ML-driven cybersecurity solutions, smart and effective governance, and best practices, aiming to bolster the resilience of power generation systems against emerging threats.
16:20 - 16:40
Strategies for distributed generation
Innovation Showcase
Decentralised power generation using distributed energy resources is reshaping the traditional power system, providing greater reliability, resilience, and flexibility. This shift is essential for boosting grid stability, minimising transmission losses, and empowering communities. This session will explore leveraging distributed generation strategies, thus unlocking new opportunities for energy independence, grid stability, and community empowerment in the evolving energy landscape.
THEME: EMPOWERING MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND FUTURE POWER TECHNOLOGIES
11:00 - 11:40
Driving nuclear energy forward: advancing technologies, overcoming regulatory challenges, and fostering collaboration
Panel Discussion
Nuclear power is vital for achieving global net-zero targets, with the current fleet of 413 reactors supplying a quarter of the world's low-carbon electricity. However, substantial expansion of both nuclear and renewable energy sources is necessary to reach net zero by 2050. Advanced reactor deployment is pivotal for enhancing nuclear power efficiency and safety, but addressing regulatory challenges is vital to facilitate their adoption and ensure sector growth. This panel will take stock of the progress and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and enabling conditions to drive the sustainable growth of the nuclear energy sector.
11:40 - 12:00
Capitalising on clean energy with green investments
Panel Discussion
Climate change has become a paramount challenge, reshaping political and economic landscapes worldwide. Recognising its urgency, governments, businesses, and individuals are embracing initiatives like Green Finance to facilitate the transition to sustainability. Green Finance emerges as a pivotal concept, facilitating the shift towards a sustainable future by supporting decarbonisation efforts worldwide. This panel will explore innovative green financing models, navigate regulatory frameworks, discuss technology risk management, and address scaling green energy investment.
12:00 - 12:20
Boosting grid reliability through distributed energy resources (DERs)
Case Study
The rapid expansion of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and distributed storage is reshaping electricity generation, distribution and consumption. These small-scale technologies not only promise to enhance the sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of the energy grid but also empower consumers to take an active role in energy management. However, their integration poses challenges without proper grid preparation
12:20 - 12:40
Empowering district cooling companies with smart metering and AI-driven energy forecasting
Innovation Showcase
Smart metering and AI are vital in energy forecasting for district cooling companies, providing real-time data on energy consumption, temperature, and other parameters from buildings or cooling plants. This granular data enables AI and machine learning models to forecast cooling capacity, optimise energy efficiency, plan network capacity, and conduct predictive maintenance. Participants will learn how these technologies transform district cooling operations, ensuring reliable and sustainable services by improving data collection, forecasting, and maintenance, ultimately enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Speaker:
Matthias Hinkelmann
Managing Director
Zenner AI
12:40 - 13:00
Revolutionising power plant cooling systems for a greener energy future
Innovation Showcase
Power plant cooling systems are pivotal in ensuring efficient energy generation, environmental sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions. By embracing advancements like air-cooled condensers and hybrid systems, utilities can reduce water consumption, and it signifies an important step forward in merging eco-friendly practices with technological progress, addressing global climate challenges with sustainable solutions. This session will highlight conversations regarding optimisation strategies and policy frameworks, with a focus on underlining the environmental and economic advantages.
Speaker:
Antonio Di Cecca
Chief Operating Officer
Tabreed
14:00 - 14:20
Energising Workforce Advancement in the Power Industry
Innovation Showcase
The power generation sector is experiencing a profound shift, marked by swift technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability. The success of this transformation hinges on the energy industry's role in championing sustainability across all aspects, including technology advancement and workforce readiness, with a focus on human-centric actions and strategies. This session will discuss how leaders have an opportunity to build a more equitable workforce creating long-term value, offer valuable insights and share best practices.
14:20 - 14:40
Journey to AI-based Assets Maintenance Strategy
Case Study
AI-based asset maintenance leverages intelligence to optimise the upkeep of utilities assets, such as power plants, substations, and power lines. By using AI algorithms and machine learning models, organisations can predict maintenance needs, identify potential issues before they occur, and schedule maintenance activities more efficiently. This session will demonstrate how AI technologies applied to asset management help utilities organisations analyse complex asset data, translate it into meaningful insights, reduce asset downtime, extend asset lifespan, and ultimately improve operational efficiency.
Speaker:
Carlos Vivas Teno
Director of the Assets Management Unit
Minsait
14:20 - 15:00
Empowering customers: key to decarbonisation strategies and transforming business models
Innovation Showcase
In today's rapidly changing energy landscape, utilities face mounting pressure to decarbonise and adapt their business models for a sustainable future. Customer empowerment emerges as pivotal in this transition, though challenges like energy decentralisation and digitalisation arise alongside evolving customer expectations. However, these challenges present opportunities; involving customers in decarbonisation efforts can yield new revenue streams, strengthen grid reliability, and fulfill demand for sustainable solutions. Through this session, we will look at how utilities can navigate this complex transition through strategic customer empowerment and foster a more sustainable and customer-centric energy future.
15:00 - 15:20
Digital plants: the future of management and operations
Innovation Showcase
The power and utility sector are embracing Industry 4.0, utilising intelligent machines and new technology to revolutionise energy production and distribution for enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This transformative shift involves integrating digital technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics into power generation processes, known as digital plants. As the global focus shifts towards sustainable energy, digital plants become crucial for managing assets, ensuring grid stability, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This session aims to provide insights into the pitfalls and opportunities in the journey to Industry 4.0 helping companies towards a prosperous digital future.
15:20 - 15:40
Unleashing the power of blockchain in utilities
Case Study
Blockchain technology is revolutionising the utilities sector, offering transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions and data management. The session will tackle utilities' key challenges like data security and interoperability, highlighting how blockchain can address these issues by providing secure records and real-time data sharing. Emphasising collaboration and innovation, the session advocates for blockchain adoption to unlock opportunities, drive operational efficiencies, and ensure a secure energy landscape.
15:40 - 16:00
Powering the future with energy from water
Project Showcase
The convergence of power generation and water management presents a unique opportunity to tackle challenges surrounding energy sustainability, water scarcity, and climate change. Through harnessing energy from water sources such as hydropower and tidal energy, we not only secure clean and renewable power but also facilitate efficient water resource management and environmental conservation.
