Accelerated by urgent demands for increased connectivity, reduced costs, and improved operational efficiency, there has been rapid growth and development in digitalisation observed across the world’s key industrial sectors. World Utilities Congress (9–11 May, Abu Dhabi) will explore such transformations in this crucial segment. 

With the impact of the pandemic and the increasingly urgent need to pursue greener and more sustainable alternatives, the utilities sector – an underlying facilitator for all industries – has observed the emergent adoption of digital technology, a phenomenon expected to prevail as power demand continues to rise in step with economic development. 

Significant incentives to digitalisation

Transforming operations and systems with digital technologies can create substantial value for utility companies. Studies indicate a potential reduction in operating expenses of up to 25 per cent is achievable, alongside performance gains of 20–40 per cent in areas such as safety, reliability, customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

Such incentives have led utility companies to rapidly adopt digital technologies, including the reimagining of customer journeys, adding digital leak detectors to gas grids and water supply, using predictive models to schedule maintenance, and other asset-management activities. 

Efficient operations and lower costs mean that utility companies can pass on the savings to consumers. This is especially important given the current challenging landscape of high-energy prices that have affected consumers across the world, especially those in Europe and the USA. 

It is evident that digital technologies, data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will play a vital role in the digital transformation of utilities. Such technologies have great potential in helping to optimise the use of energy resources and operations at remote facilities, while ensuring reliable, safe and secure infrastructures.

Towards more agile, cost effective, and sustainable business models

Emerging digital technologies – such as smart grids, industrial IoT and big data – are influencing the power industry to transform into more agile, cost effective, and sustainable business models. For example, there is an increasing use of sensors and metres to detect leaks and reduce consumption through technologies, such as smart-home appliances and smart-street lightings as part of smart-city plans that are being developed and implemented.

As the digitalisation of power distribution and retail companies is expected to continue to accelerate this decade, Frost & Sullivan says that digital investments are directed toward three main areas: enhancing customer service, optimising grid operations, and developing connected businesses. By incorporating cloud computing, Big Data, analytics, and IoT solutions, utilities and retailers are transforming their businesses beyond commodity selling.

Paving the way for a new energy ecosystem

With global energy demand set to double by 2050, major sustainability concerns are pushing an energy efficiency agenda forward, all over the world. The UAE has to meet ambitious targets as part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which includes reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 percent, while also reaching Net Zero by 2050. These developments, coupled with technological disruptions, are expected to be key to accelerating global economies. 

“Adopting digital technologies will help utility company managers increase the efficiency of their assets, save energy and water, and lead to an overall more sustainable country,” advised Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, organiser of the World Utilities Congress. 

“Data will also play an integral role in decision-making, both for current projects and future developments, paving the way for a new energy ecosystem,” he added.

Digital transformation and tech innovations in focus

The digitalisation of the utilities sector will be delved deeper into at the World Utilities Congress, with a dedicated strategic panel on Digital Transformation and Technological Innovations. The Congress will take place from 9–11 May in Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC, convening more than 10,000 global utilities professionals to explore critical topics, including the future of low carbon power and water supplies.

The World Utilities Congress will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. 

Hosted by TAQA, the global exhibition and congress provides an unrivalled platform to explore the latest products, innovations, and technological advancements across the global utilities landscape. It will bring together water and power leaders to provide insights on building resilient low carbon business models with agile automated digital operations. 

To learn how to access and be part of the event, visit: www.worldutilitiescongress.com