‫تحت رعاية سمو الشيخ خالد بن محمد بن زايد آل نهيان‬

UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF H.H. SHEIKH KHALED BIN MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

8 - 1 0 M AY 2 0 2 3 | A B U D H A B I , U N I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S

ENABLING A SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE UTILITIES FUTURE

STRATEGIC CONFERENCE
BROCHURE

www.worldutilitiescongress.com/sc

Supported By

Clean Energy Strategic Insights Host Venue Brought To

Partner
Clean Energy Cooling Partner Associate City
Strategic Insights Host Partner Venue YouBrought
By To
Partner Partner Sponsor Partner City Partner You By
Strategic Conference Brochure

ABOUT WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS

Hosted by TAQA, the 2nd edition of the World Utilities
Congress, will take place in Abu Dhabi from the 8-10
May 2023 in Abu Dhabi.
Uniquely situated between COP27 in Egypt and COP28
in the UAE, the World Utilities Congress will further
critical conversations around the Middle East’s
contribution to global decarbonisation efforts and
promote the vital role of the utilities sector in meeting
global net zero targets.
World Utilities Congress helps generate the highest
value and measurable return on investment for
international, regional and local power & water utilities
businesses and professionals.
The exhibition & congress will bring together CEOs,
energy ministers, policymakers, business leaders, and
innovators from around the world to share key
strategic insights.
Representing the power generation, gas, distribution
and transmission, water, renewables, and hydrogen
sectors, the exhibition & conference serves as a
dedicated platform for the entire utilities value chain to
showcase the latest innovations, and support the
global energy transition.

WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS 2023

IN NUMBERS
10,000+ 20,000
TRADE GROSS
VISITORS SQM

150+ 1,000+
EXHIBITING CONFERENCE
COMPANIES DELEGATES

60+ 250+
CONFERENCE EXPERT
SESSIONS SPEAKERS

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CONFERENCES OVERVIEW
Across three days, the World Utilities Congress will generate conversations around the core challenges facing
the sector and provide a platform for innovators across the utilities value chain. From power generation, gas,
and distribution, to water, renewables and hydrogen, the congress will provide an all-encompassing look at the
best the sector has to offer, and insight into how it can take advantage of the exciting opportunities presented
by the global energy transition.

STRATEGIC NUCLEAR ENERGY TECHNICAL

CONFERENCES LEADERSHIP FORUM CONFERENCES

The Strategic Conference has
been developed for global
leaders within power, water
and gas utilities as well as
district cooling, who seek to
successfully navigate the
energy transition and
embed future-focused digital
transformation strategies in
response to evolving market
and customer needs.
It is designed for Ministers,
regulators, CEOs and other
industry leaders, who
have the decision making
power to determine the future
direction of the utilities sector.
Nuclear energy is key to
achieving global net zero
objectives, working in
partnership with renewable
energy sources and other low
carbon options, as part of a
sustainable energy system to
decarbonise electricity and
non-electric energy production.
The dedicated Nuclear Energy
Leadership Forum will run
alongside the exhibition
focusing on the deployment
of safe, reliable nuclear energy
generation, technological
advancements in nuclear
energy, the latest in research
and development of nuclear
science and technology
and more.
The Technical Conference
offers utilities industry
professionals unprecedented
access to the latest industry
knowledge and research
findings, technical expertise,
new project developments,
state of the art technologies
and industry best practices.
With 17 technical categories,
the conference covers the
entire value chain of power,
water and gas utilities as
well as district cooling,
and includes power
generation, transmission
and distribution, water
management, water sewage
and customer engagement.

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Strategic Conference Brochure

ABOUT THE STRATEGIC CONFERENCE

Balancing Water And Energy Security with
Affordability And Net Zero Goals
Recent 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.
Taking place in Abu Dhabi from 8-10 May 2023, the
second edition of the World Utilities Congress has a
unique position in the energy calendar. Sitting
between the COP27 in Egypt and the COP28 in the
UAE, the Congress will host critical high-level
dialogues that will pave the way to advance global
decarbonisation efforts and promote the vital role of
the utilities sector in meeting global net zero
targets.

THE STRATEGIC CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING THEMES:

DECARBONISATION DIGITAL
AND ENERGY INNOVATION
TRANSITION

SUPPLY AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT

DEMAND DYNAMICS AND WORKFORCE OF
THE FUTURE

RAISING CAPITAL AND

PROJECT FINANCE

CONFERENCE DELEGATE REGISTRATION

+971 4 438 0355 wuc.delegate@dmgevents.com

www.worldutilitiescongress.com/confreg

4

STRATEGIC SESSIONS AT A GLANCE
MONDAY 8 MAY
12:00 – 13:00
MINISTERIAL SESSION
The impact of geopolitics on water
and energy security
14:00 – 15:00
PANEL DISCUSSION
Can the private sector help in
preventing a potential energy and
water crisis?
15:00 – 16:00
PANEL DISCUSSION
The road to net zero despite
soaring energy prices and
vulnerable supplies
16:00 – 17:00
INDUSTRY DEBATE
Where will the increased gas
prices lead us to?
www.worldutilitiescongress.com
TUESDAY 9 MAY WEDNESDAY 10 MAY
10:30 – 11:30 10:30 – 11:30
MINISTERIAL SESSION PANEL DISCUSSION
Decarbonisation efforts on Developing human capital to
national and regional levels drive research, innovation and
digital transformation within the
utilities sector
11:30 – 12:30 11:30 – 12:00
PANEL DISCUSSION INDUSTRY DIALOGUES
Addressing the intermittent nature Advocating inclusion and diversity
of renewables through energy within the utilities sector
storage and technology
12:30 – 13:30 12:00 – 13:00
PANEL DISCUSSION PANEL DISCUSSION
Hydrogen – putting the pieces Boosting investment through
of the puzzle together international partnerships
14:00 – 15:00 14:00 – 15:00
PANEL DISCUSSION PANEL DISCUSSION
Implementing digital technologies The role of ESG and sustainable
to improve operational efficiency finance in the power, water, gas and
and ensure security within district district cooling
cooling, power, water and gas utilities
15:00 – 15:30 15:00 – 16:00
INDUSTRY DIALOGUES PANEL DISCUSSION
Satisfying a utilities customer Energy system integration and
of tomorrow new business models – what does
the future hold?
15:30 – 16:30
PANEL DISCUSSION
Successful strategies to fuel
innovation, secure supply and
reduce emissions within water and
wastewater companies
17:00 – 18:00
PANEL DISCUSSION
Modernising electric, water, gas
and district cooling grids to
improve efficiency, profitability
and customer experience
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Strategic Conference Brochure

CONFERENCE AGENDA
MONDAY 8 MAY

10:00 - 11:00 Opening ceremony (By invitation only)

12:00 – 13:00 The impact of geopolitics on water and energy security

Ministerial session
The war in Ukraine has significantly impacted energy supply and demand dynamics
and triggered the energy crisis in Europe. With multiple droughts around the globe, will
the energy crisis be coupled with the water crisis? How can countries ensure reliable
and affordable electricity, gas and water supplies? Can an internationally connected
grid help with the energy and/or water crisis? What is the role of nuclear energy in
easing the energy crisis? What policies can protect consumers from the increasing
electricity and gas bills?

Attendee insights:
This key session will elaborate on the reliability and affordability of power
and water supplies.

Can the private sector help in preventing a potential energy and

14:00 – 15.00
water crisis?

Panel discussion
As the world is facing the energy and water crisis, what can private companies do to ease
the burden? Is a windfall tax a plausible solution to offset the rising energy costs to
consumers? Can additional investments solve both energy and climate crises and where
should they be channelled to? How can the private sector contribute to energy efficiency
and to what extent will it be helpful to the current situation?

Attendee insights:
This important session will focus on the role of the private sector in tackling the energy
and water crisis.

SPONSOR THE STRATEGIC CONFERENCE

+971 4 438 0355

wuc.sponsorship@dmgevents.com
www.worldutilitiescongress.com/sponsorship

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 www.worldutilitiescongress.com

15:00 – 16:00 The road to net zero despite soaring energy prices and vulnerable supplies

Panel discussion
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 drastically increased
and supplies have become unstable, how can companies keep on track with their net zero
pledges? What is the role of nuclear energy in 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?

Attendee insights:
Speakers of this panel discussion will give insights into how to achieve net zero targets in
the current market landscape.

16:00 – 17:00 Where will the increased gas prices lead us to?

Panel discussion
Disrupted gas supplies to Europe have highlighted how dependent we still are on fossil
fuels. What are the short-term and long-term effects of high gas prices on businesses,
consumers and the economy in general? Will the current high price environment trigger
new investments into gas infrastructure, such as LNG terminals? Has the current energy
crisis highlighted any flaws in the current energy pricing and market design? Will rapidly
increasing inflation plunge the world into a recession or do we have a way out?

Attendee insights:
This key session will delve into the effect of the increased gas prices on businesses,
consumers and the economy overall.

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Strategic Conference Brochure

TUESDAY 9 MAY

10:30 – 11:30 Decarbonisation efforts on national and regional levels

Ministerial session
The UAE has committed to stricter Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of the
COP27 and COP28, aiming to cut its carbon emissions by 31% by 2030. What are the other
countries doing to reduce their carbon footprint? What mechanisms can ensure that
decarbonisation pledges come into action and which regulatory measurements can help
with it? 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:
This key ministerial session will discuss regional and national commitments to reducing
emissions post COP27 and ahead of COP28.

Addressing the intermittent nature of renewables through energy

11:30 – 12.30
storage and technology

Panel discussion
As we transition to a carbon-free economy, adding more renewable energy sources to the
grid, we also need to transform how the grid is powered and managed. What are the most
cost-effective and efficient ways to incorporate intermittent energy sources into the grid?
Will storage solutions alone be able to solve this problem? What is the role of Demand Side
Management (DSM) in addressing the intermittency and to what extent are customers
willing to adjust their consumption? How to address peak demand and what is the role of
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in this? How will EV adoption affect the utilisation of
the grid? What is the role of technology and smart meters in improving grid utilisation and
flattening the demand curve?

Attendee insights:
This panel discussion will focus on the role of storage solutions and DSM in addressing
peak electricity demand and the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

12:30 – 13:30 Hydrogen – putting the pieces of the puzzle together

Panel discussion
Hydrogen holds an excellent potential to help us move away from 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 be coming from? What technology will help to scale up hydrogen adoption?
What is the role of CO2 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:
This important session will cover all aspects of the rapidly developing hydrogen economy.

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 www.worldutilitiescongress.com

Implementing digital technologies to improve operational efficiency and

14:00 – 15:00
ensure security within district cooling, power, water and gas utilities

Panel discussion
Digitalisation has been transforming many industries and utilities are no exception. Digital
technologies can help to 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? The proliferation of digital solutions has many benefits
but they also increase the cyber attack surface – how can utilities ensure their assets,
employees and customers are protected from cyber attacks?

Attendee insights:
This panel discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities of digital solutions
within the utilities sector.

15:00 – 15.30 Satisfying a utilities customer of tomorrow

Industry dialogues
Customers today are becoming more and more difficult to please – so what is it that they
are looking for 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:
An important session to gain deeper insights into what customers expect from their
utilities providers and how these expectations can be met.

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Strategic Conference Brochure

Successful strategies to fuel innovation, secure supply and reduce

15:30 – 16:30
emissions within water and wastewater companies

Panel discussion
As energy security has been one of the top conversations on the agenda, water security
has not been any less important. What strategies can ensure successful water
management and resilience? How can water and wastewater companies enhance
efficiency and what is the role of data and technology in this? 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 water and wastewater sectors?

Attendee insights:
This discussion will address what direction companies need to take to solve a myriad of
challenges in the water and wastewater sectors.

16:30 – 17:00 Exploring the link between water and power

Industry dialogues
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:
This focused session will explore the challenges and opportunities of the water-energy nexus.

Modernising electric, water, gas and district cooling grids to improve

17:00 – 18.00
efficiency, profitability and customer experience

Panel discussion
There is an increasing need to transform how utilities infrastructure is planned, delivered and
managed, as growing demand, digitalisation and climate change continue to impact the
world. In parallel, modern citizens expect and demand more and more from their utilities – be
it electricity, water, gas or district cooling providers. What do utility providers need to do to
improve grid reliability and flexibility and move towards smart energy systems? How water
and district cooling networks can help balance electric grids? How to be prepared for shocks
in supply and demand as well as extreme weather events? How much will it cost to reinforce
the networks and where will the necessary funds be coming from?

Attendee insights:
This important session will discuss the challenges that power, water, gas and district
cooling infrastructure faces and how to address them.

+971 4 438 0355

CONFERENCE DELEGATE REGISTRATION wuc.delegate@dmgevents.com
www.worldutilitiescongress.com/confreg

10
 www.worldutilitiescongress.com

WEDNESDAY 10 MAY

Developing human capital to drive research, innovation and digital

10:30 – 11:30
transformation within the utilities sector

Panel discussion
The integrated transformation that utilities are going through would not be possible
without people. What are businesses doing to attract and retain the most competent talent?
Are companies investing enough into training and upskilling their employees? Which skills
are lacking to boost industry innovation and transformation faster and more efficiently?

Attendee insights:
A must-attend session for industry leaders that would like to ensure they are able to
attract the most competent talent for developing refreshed business models and
strategies.

11:30 – 12.00 Advocating inclusion and diversity within the utilities sector

Industry dialogues
The topic of inclusion and diversity has been on the table for a while and its business case
is only getting stronger. According to the World Economic Forum, companies in the top
quartile of gender diversity in their executive teams outperform their bottom quartile
peers in the above-average profitability by 25%. When it comes to ethnic and cultural
diversity, the figure goes up to 36%.

How to make the existing workforce more diverse, reducing the gender gap and making
employees feel more inclusive? Which metric and performance goals can help achieve this?
Can financial incentives, rewards and recognition play a role in achieving diversity goals?

Attendee insights:
This focused dialogue will explore practical strategies that help with the inclusion and
diversity efforts.

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Strategic Conference Brochure

12:00 – 13:00 Boosting investment through international partnerships

Panel discussion
Finance and investment are always a vital aspect of any project, especially in such 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. What is the role of partnerships in securing funds for utilities
projects? How can private and public sectors collaborate for mutual benefit? What are
investors looking for in hydrogen projects? How to de-risk renewable energy investments?

Attendee insights:
This important session will elaborate on strategies for raising capital in the utilities sector.

The role of ESG and sustainable finance in the power, water, gas and
14:00 – 15:00
district cooling

Panel discussion
As the world is moving towards net zero, green finance and ESG reporting continue to be at the
top of the executive agenda. 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 untap the full potential
of green investments, improving national GDP and encouraging Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)?

Attendee insights:
This key panel discussion will explore the pivotal role of ESG and green investments in the
energy transition.

Energy system integration and new business models – what does

15:00 – 16.00
the future hold?

Panel discussion
As the energy and utilities landscape changes, so do the business models operating in the
market. How can different sectors be integrated to optimise the use of resources and improve
efficiency? What is the role of prosumers in the utilities business models? How will EV integration
change the current energy systems? How to build energy systems that are secure, reliable and
efficient? Are the companies adapting fast enough to address the industry changes?

Attendee insights:
This important closing session will speculate about the future energy systems and
business models as well as their interaction with policies and market designs.

SPONSOR THE STRATEGIC CONFERENCE

+971 4 438 0355
wuc.sponsorship@dmgevents.com
www.worldutilitiescongress.com/sponsorship

12
 www.worldutilitiescongress.com

CONFERENCE PASS PACKAGES

CONFERENCE CATEGORY EARLY-BIRD RATE STANDARD RATE
(until 31 March) (from 1 April)

ALL ACCESS CONFERENCES PASS

• Keynote Address
• Strategic Conference: 3-day pass
• Technical Conference: 3-day pass $995 $1,395
• Nuclear Leadership Forum: 2-day pass
• Delegate Lunches
• Access to Exhibition Halls

STRATEGIC CONFERENCE
• Keynote Address
• Strategic Conference: 3-day pass $795 $1,195
• Delegate Lunches
• Access to Exhibition Halls

TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
• Technical Conference: 3-day pass
• Delegate Lunches
$595 $795
• Access to Exhibition Halls

NUCLEAR ENERGY LEADERSHIP FORUM

• Nuclear Leadership Forum: 2-day pass
• Delegate Lunches
$495 $595
• Access to Exhibition Halls

13
 ‫تحت رعاية سمو الشيخ خالد بن محمد بن زايد آل نهيان‬
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF H.H. SHEIKH KHALED BIN MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

8 - 1 0 M AY 2 0 2 3 | A B U D H A B I , U N I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S

REGISTER FOR YOUR

STRATEGIC CONFERENCE PASS
+971 4 438 0355
delegate@worldutilitiescongress.com
www.worldutilitiescongress.com/confreg

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