The UAE Organising Committee of the 24th World Energy Congress has signed an agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) to host an event on international large-scale electricity interconnections and their strategic importance to achieve an integrated vision for global power systems next year
The event will be held during the Abu Dhabi World Energy Congress, scheduled to take place from the 9-12 September 2019, which will bring together experts and energy policymakers in the area of grid interconnection from around the world.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), International power grid connections are becoming an increasingly important element for energy policymakers to take into consideration to achieve sustainable energy planning.
The event will also discuss the enabling role that grid technologies, such as smart grids and ultra-high voltage grids are playing to transform national grids into international electricity networks with the capability to balance supply and demand, as well as peak capacity savings, the integration of variable renewable energy, and provide access to remote energy resources.
As a joint-stock company subscribed by the six GCC nations, the GCCIA interlinks all the power systems, enabling increased efficiency and savings while providing a sustainable alternative within the energy sector. Their main aim is to provide reliable, competitive and sustainable transmission services to communities in the GCC, by leading the development of an efficient power market, and giving knowledge excellence in power system integration.
Interconnection is vital among others to provide reliable energy. By interconnecting power systems, governments are not only promoting cross-border trade in electricity but also lowering its costs by increasing the use of the most economical supply sources available. This, in turn, helps to provide better power quality, more sustainable power, and more widespread availability of electricity to communities.
As part of the agreement, GCCIA will also participate at the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Energy Congress as an exhibitor. Through their participation at the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Energy Congress, the GCCIA will highlight opportunities for regional cooperation including how they are anticipating the introduction of renewable energy and keeping abreast of the technological developments to prepare the network for future energy solutions.
Dr Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the UAE Organising Committee for the 24th World Energy Congress, said, ?We are delighted to partner with GCCIA to secure an important presence at the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Energy Congress. The fact that they will host an international event during the Congress on grid interconnection while having a physical representation during the event illustrates the importance that the Abu Dhabi World Energy Congress has for energy stakeholders from around the world. This collaboration highlights the proactive and forward-thinking nature of companies in the region to find sustainable alternatives within the energy sector. GCCIA?s participation will help to bring together leading industry experts under one roof to discuss the trends and outlooks for the future of interconnection in the region and beyond.?
Eng. Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim, CEO of the GCCIA, added, ?Regional and international networks are increasingly becoming a central point of the energy debate as one of the keys to address the issues of energy equity, reliability and sustainability. As part of our mission, we are looking at leading the development of a reliable efficient power market to serve the people in the GCC. Having an active role at the 2019 Congress grants us the opportunity to showcase our capabilities and share insights into the strategic importance of global electricity interconnections. Thus, GGCIA alongside the Congress will serve as a critical contributor to the global debate.?
The GCCIA will be joining an expected 2,500 other exhibitors in a 40,000 sq m space at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The Congress is expected to receive 15,000 attendees including an estimated 4,000 delegates and 7,000 trade visitors.
Held every three years in select international cities, the World Energy Congress is the world?s largest, longest-running and most influential energy gathering. Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the 24th edition will mark the first time the Congress has been hosted in a Middle Eastern city, and by an OPEC member country, in the event?s 94-year history.
