Power Gen Innovation Theatre

POWER GEN INNOVATION THEATRE

A dynamic showcase of power generation's evolution and innovation

Dive into a dynamic zone dedicated to cutting-edge research and development, finely tuned to the ever-changing landscape of power generation. This dedicated theatre is not just about addressing current challenges; it's about anticipating future industry issues and serving as a nexus for power pioneers, utilities, EPCs, consultants, OEMs, and major energy users.

Here, we provide a vibrant platform to not just keep up with the industry's evolution but to lead it, paving the way from existing challenges to groundbreaking trends. This fosters innovation and collaboration in the unstoppable transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

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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

13:30 - 14:00

Fireside Chat

Power generation, like numerous other industries, is undergoing a significant digitisation shift. Research indicates that even the most sophisticated participants have only implemented a limited number of isolated digitalisation initiatives, which often lack direct business value. Nevertheless, the integration of new technologies with conventional methods can result in significant advantages in the areas of energy efficiency, health, safety, security, and the environment (HSSE).

Moderator:

Imteyaz Ahmad

Managing Director – Power and Water

Future Water and Power Consulting (FWPC)

Panelist:

Anuj Agarwal

Partner – Advisory Services

KPMG Lower Gulf

Rizwan Rizaq

CTO, Smart PV

Huawei Middle East

14:00 - 14:40

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.

Moderator:

Imteyaz Ahmad

Managing Director – Power and Water

Future Water and Power Consulting (FWPC)

Speaker:

Khalid Bin Hadi

Managing Director – UAE

Siemens Energy

Bruce Smith

Strategy and Planning Executive Director

EWEC

Yasin Kasirga

Decarbonisation Leader, Carbon Solutions - Middle East & Africa

GE Vernova

14:40 - 15:00

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.

Speaker:

Marco Cioffi

Marketing and Product Manager

Ansaldo Energia

15:00 - 15:20

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

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.

Speaker:

Aditya Saraswat

Research Director, MENA

Rystad Energy

15:40 - 16:00

Innovation Showcase

Establishing transparent carbon markets and clean energy hubs is pivotal to the GCC's journey toward sustainable energy leadership. The current absence of regional markets for green commodities in the GCC highlights the critical need for price transparency and green certificate trading. This session will explore these needs and emphasise the importance of hedging options for sustainable projects to manage commercial risks and attract long-term investments. Additionally, the creation of Clean Energy Hubs as marketplaces for trading sustainable molecules and electrons will be examined, fostering regional collaboration and setting the stage for the GCC to become a global hub for green fuel production and export. The sessions will also focus on how initiatives aim to transform the energy landscape in the GCC by promoting zero-emission markets, standard contracts, and effective regulatory frameworks to drive the region's decarbonisation efforts.

Speaker:

Dr. Jan Haizmann

Secretary General

Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA)

16:00 - 16:20

Innovation Showcase

As the Middle East navigates the global shift towards a low-carbon future, the region faces unique challenges and promising opportunities. This session will explore the roadmap for the green transition, focusing on key strategies, policies, and innovations required to balance energy demands with sustainability goals. A leading expert will discuss the way forward in accelerating clean energy adoption, fostering collaboration across sectors, and creating a resilient, sustainable energy landscape for the future.

Speaker:

Dr. Hai Bin Wan

Senior Advisor

MeForIOT

16:20 - 16:40

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

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

Speakers:

Dina Al Mannaee

Principal Project Manager

Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE

Naji Al Messabi

Power Network Operations Director

EWEC

Ilias Abdo

CEO

Hydropower Energy

Suchitra Sriram

Director – Energy & Environment

Frost & Sullivan – Middle East

Syed Fawad Ali Gilani

Planning & Energy Markets Director

Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi

11:40 - 12:00

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

Fireside Chat

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.

Moderator:

Seif Rabei

Managing Partner UAE

LOGIC Consulting

Speakers:

Mahmoud El-Dessouky

Marketing Director – Power Systems, Gulf Countries

Schneider Electric

Faysal Taher

Partner and Associate Director

BCG

12:40 - 13:00

Fireside Chat

In a world where the drive to reduce carbon emissions is reshaping industries, the challenge for energy-intensive sectors lies in decarbonizing without compromising efficiency or growth. This session will explore how innovative technologies and smart policy frameworks can turn this challenge into an opportunity. By embracing best practices that align sustainability with business goals, industries can meet regulatory demands while gaining a competitive edge. The discussion will provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of decarbonisation, revealing how to unlock new growth avenues and lead the way toward a low-carbon future

Moderator:

Said Hobeika

Director Consumer and Industrial Products and Services

PwC Middle East

Speaker:

Boris Smondack

Head of Engineering & Technology, AMEA

Engie

14:00 - 14:20

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.

Speaker:

Randheer Singh

Founder & CEO

ForeSee Advisors

14:20 - 14:40

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

Innovation Showcase

In this session, we will explore Abu Dhabi's unique ambition and drive. The distribution network has a key role to play to enable the required growth in the Emirate while simultaneously accelerating the energy transition. There has never been a better time to deliver future needs with initiatives in smart grid, sustainability and reliability improvements. And the only way we'll get that done is together, with collaboration across many stakeholders, not the least of which are our customers. The Distribution Revolution is here!

Speaker:

Scott Ryan

Chief Operating Officer

Abu Dhabi Distribution Company

15:00 - 15:20

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.

Speaker:

Sultana Begum

ME Energy Advisory Lead

Jacobs

15:20 - 15:40

Project Showcase

As the power grid transitions towards greater digitalization, securing inter-substation communication becomes critical to ensure the stability and reliability of energy distribution. This session focuses on the role of R-GOOSE (Routable Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event) within the IEC 61850 standard as a key enabler for enhancing cybersecurity in the grid. By exploring how R-GOOSE enables secure and real-time data exchange between substations, this session will highlight its capacity to mitigate cyber threats, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure a more resilient and robust smart grid. We will also discuss practical implementation strategies and the benefits of leveraging R-GOOSE for future-proofing critical infrastructure.

Speaker:

Supratik Pathak

Senior Global Product Leader - Cybersecurity, Grid Solutions

GE Vernova

15:40 - 16:00

Innovation Showcase

As the world accelerates its transition to a sustainable future, the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) has never been more crucial. This session explores how collaborative efforts between governments and private enterprises are driving the adoption of renewable energy on a global scale. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, PPPs are unlocking innovative solutions, mobilising investments, and scaling projects that are essential for achieving net-zero goals. Gain insights into successful PPP models, challenges faced, and the path forward to a greener, more resilient energy landscape.

Speaker:

Eng. Nabil Aljohani

VP - IWPs & IWTPs Contracts Management

SWPC

16:00 - 16:20

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

Innovation Showcase

As power systems evolve to meet increasing demand and support the energy transition towards greater integration of renewables, demand flexibility becomes essential for maintaining grid stability. This session explores how smart energy management technologies and the aggregation of complex systems enable the creation of virtual power plants, which provide critical grid and ancillary services, including capacity, energy, and frequency reserves. The session will present solutions for achieving demand-side flexibility and highlight examples from neighbouring countries.

Speaker:

Hervé Reynaud

Senior Vice-Président Corporate strategy, Development & Financing

Energy Pool

THEME: EMPOWERING MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND FUTURE POWER TECHNOLOGIES

11:00 - 11:40

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.

Moderator:

Dr. Saeed Alameri

Director

Emirates Nuclear Technology Center

Speakers:

Dr. Ahmed Khalifa

Nuclear Asset Manager, Asset Management

EWEC

David Haboubi

Head of Nuclear & Net Zero Energy, Middle East

AtkinsRéalis

Rashed Harib AL Falahi

Government and International Cooperation Manager

Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation

11:40 - 12:20

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.

Moderator:

Sal Jafar

CEO

ESG MENA

Speakers:

Ahmed Bahei-Eldin

Managing Director & Commercial Leader EMEA - Financial Services

GE Vernova

Lucia Fuselli

CEO

Climate Strategies

Salman Mohammed

Director – Infrastructure Advisory

KPMG Lower Gulf

Sufyan Al Issa

Global Head, Business Development and Client Coverage

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

12:20 - 12:40

Case Study

Achieving net-zero in the utilities sector demands rapid carbon reduction, yet many decarbonisation strategies fall short at the site level. Key areas like energy efficiency, electrification, heat optimisation, and renewable integration are essential, but the challenge lies in turning these strategies into actionable roadmaps. This session will explore the practical steps, challenges, and innovative solutions necessary to effectively guide utilities in their transition towards a sustainable, net-zero future.

Speaker:

Saeed Abdirazak

Regional Director

Bilfinger

12:40 - 13:00

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

14:00 - 14:20

Innovation Showcase

Storage is a core pillar of the energy transition. It replaces a tank of fossil fuel in electric vehicles, and when paired with renewable generation, delivers clean electricity. While chemical batteries have been overwhelmingly deployed, chemical battery technology has reached the upper limits of its performance capability and is now becoming a hinderance to the energy transition. This session will examine how supercap storage, which has none of the limitations of chemical battery technology and all the attributes to replace oil and gas, must be deployed to meet the complex demands of the energy transition.

Speaker:

Omer Ghani

Chief of Project Fulfilment

Enercap Energy Holdings Limited

14:20 - 14:40

Innovation Showcase

As the global shift towards sustainable practices accelerates, accurate and transparent carbon management becomes critical. Companies are increasingly required to quantify and demonstrate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The application of blockchain technology brings the opportunity to revolutionise carbon tracking, verification, and reduction efforts. Explore in this session how the solution can enhance transparency, accuracy and process efficiency in verifying carbon emissions.

Speaker:

Lavinia Willmann

Digitalization Lead, UAE

Siemens Energy

14:40 - 15:00

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

15:00 - 15:20

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.

Speaker:

Mohamed Sayed Taha

Projects & Technical Consulting Manager

Enppi

15:20 - 15:40

Innovation Showcase

This session will highlight the importance of gas safety and regulatory compliance within Abu Dhabi's energy landscape. It will provide an in-depth examination of the Department of Energy's stringent safety protocols and compliance frameworks designed to safeguard the emirate's gas infrastructure.