Session objective: Sharing perspectives and identifying common ground in the context of power sector transition. 

Regulators are at the core of the global energy transition, with decisions made today shaping the world’s ability to achieve a net-zero future. A key challenge lies in striking the right balance between accelerating the clean energy transition while ensuring affordability and reliability. This high-level dialogue, hosted by UNEZA in partnership with RETA, will bring together CEOs and regulators to identify common ground and tackle the barriers hindering progress toward ambitious power sector goals.

Session objective: To explore how utilities can harness the transformative potential of AI while addressing the growing challenges of energy demand, cybersecurity, and risk-averse operating models through strategic cross-sector dialogue and insights.

The rapid evolution of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is reshaping the energy landscape. From customer engagement to predictive maintenance, and from system optimization to real-time grid management, AI holds transformative potential for utilities.

At the same time, AI’s growing power demands are creating significant new loads, placing pressure on utilities to respond quickly and flexibly. AI-driven systems also introduce new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, challenging the traditional utility mandate of delivering secure, resilient infrastructure.

Hosted by ADSW, in partnership with TAQA, and supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), this Innovation Roundtable will convene leaders from utilities and the AI community to examine the state of play: Are utilities truly embracing AI’s potential, or are they constrained by risk-averse operating models rooted in reliability and system protection?

Building on insights from the previous WUC Innovation Roundtable, this 90-minute session will provide a strategic platform for cross-sector dialogue, featuring expert presentations, interactive discussion, and real-world case studies of breakthrough AI applications.

Session objective: Accelerating brine management, strengthening the narrative around desalination’s centrality to water security and advancing a global framework on recycling.

Climate change is already reshaping water availability on a dramatic scale. Meanwhile, demand for water—particularly for industrial use and the energy transition, including hydrogen production—is set to rise exponentially. Desalination could become a critical global solution to address growing water insecurity. At the same time, bold policies and innovative approaches to water circularity are essential. How do we scale desalination and is there room for a global framework on water reuse?

The energy transition hinges on overcoming a critical challenge: outdated and undersized transmission grids. Without modernised and expanded grids, the integration of renewable energy at scale remains a distant goal. Existing grids, particularly in developed and emerging economies, are often too small, too old, and incompatible with modern renewable technologies.

Addressing these issues demands significant initial investment, yet financing appetite remains limited despite the long-term benefits. Acting as a forum for thought leaders, strategists, and policymakers in the sector, the roundtable will examine how we can support larger and more flexible transmission and distribution grids.