DoE to cement Abu Dhabi’s status as world energy capital

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), host sponsor of the upcoming 24th World Energy Congress, revealed its plans for the event, taking place in the UAE capital on Sept.9-12, 2019, under the theme ‘Energy for Prosperity’.

The 2019 edition of the Congress, which was launched 95 years ago, marks the first time the event is held in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

As one of this year’s host sponsors, the Department of Energy (DoE) aspires to continue along its mission of cementing the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s status as a world energy capital and one of the most influential global hubs for the energy sector.

DoE Chairman Awaidha Murshed Al Marar will be taking part in the opening session of the Congress, entitled ‘New Visions of Energy: Succeeding in a Context of Disruption’, which brings together prominent leaders from the energy sector around the world to explore the prospects of international partnership and joint efforts to drive the sector’s transition. Meanwhile, the Department’s Undersecretary Mohammed Bin Jarsh Al Falasi, is set to participate in a discussion panel themed ‘Market Design: Enabling the Energy Transition’, exploring various renewable energy technologies, as well as approaches to market design that would facilitate the sector’s smooth transition.

Bearing the number A10 at hall 5 and covering an area of 360 square metres, the DoE’s pavilion at the event showcases the Department’s accomplishments in various fields, from the massive water, electricity, and renewable energy infrastructure projects all across the emirate to the new laws and legislation the DoE recently adopted to upgrade the sector’s performance.

Furthermore, the pavilion introduces the audience to some of the Department’s projects, such as the ‘Demand-Side Management’ programme. It introduces the additional scenarios that were adopted as part of the Abu Dhabi Integrated Energy Model, which the Department launched in January 2019. The new additions allow the Model to cover every aspect of energy production, distribution, and consumption, which, in turn, serves to ensure harmony and integration among all partners in the sector, clearly outlining roles and responsibilities.

Set to welcome more than 66 ministers, 300 exhibitors, and more than 15,000 visitors from around the world, the World Energy Congress presents a unique platform for exploring the state of the energy sector in Abu Dhabi, and showcasing the investment opportunities it presents. With that in mind, the Department of Energy has set up a dedicated pavilion - Capital Suite 1 — as a space to conduct meeting, panel discussions, and media interviews with official DoE spokespersons.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is dedicated to keeping its partners, local community, and anyone with a vested interest in its activities, constantly updated with regards to its agenda at the World Energy Congress. The DoE maintains consistent communication, interacting with followers’ observations and enquiries via its social networking accounts on Twitter and Instagram.

Meanwhile the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and Abu Dhabi Digital Authority decided to provide instant licensing services through the emirate’s government system ‘Tamm’ as the capital seeks to increase the ease of doing business.

Eligible businesses in Abu Dhabi will receive free two-year licences, which will be issued within one working day, the department said on Saturday.

The venture aims to provide fast and effective services to small-sized energy companies in Abu Dhabi.

“This new facility aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic direction by increasing the ease of obtaining licences and by creating an environment conducive to conducting business,” said Hamad Al Ameri, head of licensing and compliance at the energy department.

The move comes amid economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investors, creating jobs and boosting the country’s competitiveness.

The UAE has allowed 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies in 13 sectors from manufacturing to renewable energy, eased visa restrictions and slashed government service fees.

The new service is in line with Abu Dhabi’s ‘Ghadan 21’ programme, a three-year, Dh50 billion stimulus package that is supporting the private sector by providing efficient government services, said Mohamed Al Askar, director the digital authority.

Licence types cover activities such as water production, treatment and desalination, electricity generation and wastewater collection, among others.

The department recommends strategic and execution plans for the energy sector in the UAE, specifically those that include oil and gas, water and electricity, sewerage and district cooling, and clean energy sources.

Earlier Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has outlined Abu Dhabi’s programme for energy transformation and plans to diversify energy sources and promote renewable energy, at Australian Energy Week 2019, in Melbourne.