Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As key trends shaping the future of the energy sector take centre stage at ADIPEC 2025 – the world’s largest energy event – industry leaders driving the UAE’s energy transformation highlighted their focus on innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the exhibition, officials from Ducab, a leading UAE-based provider of energy solutions, and Schneider Electric, a major global industrial company specialising in digital automation and energy management, shared their insights on how technology, local manufacturing and AI integration are shaping the next phase of the UAE’s energy journey.
Charles-Edouard Mellagui, CEO of Ducab Cables Business, said that the company’s role as a national industrial champion is deeply tied to the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative.
“Ducab actively integrates intelligent cable technologies into smart grid systems,” he said.
“Our high-voltage fibre optic cable, the first of its kind in the GCC, combines high-voltage transmission with real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling predictive maintenance and enhanced grid resilience.”
He noted that Ducab is leading innovation in electrification and HVDC (high voltage direct current) cables, optimised for long-distance transmission and embedded with optical fibres for smart monitoring.
“These systems not only improve grid efficiency but also reduce environmental impact and support the electrification of remote areas,” he said.
According to Mellagui, Ducab’s sustainability focus aligns directly with the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050.
“With over 30 renewable projects in our portfolio, our cables support solar, wind and hydrogen infrastructure. They are manufactured using recycled materials and eco-friendly processes,” he said.
Mellagui added that AI now enables smarter energy forecasting, demand response and cybersecurity in utilities.
On the global front, Ducab is extending UAE-made technologies to more than 75 countries.
“Our products already support major projects like the Al Reyadah Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) plant and solar and wind farms worldwide. About 60% of our production is exported, making us a bridge between local innovation and global sustainability goals.”
Ducab is also a member of the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA), which reflects its commitment to global collaboration and cross-border electrification.
“Abu Dhabi’s sovereign funds are key enablers of this ecosystem,” Mellagui added.
Amel Chadli, President of the Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric, outlined how digitalisation and AI are redefining the region’s energy systems.
“AI-powered platforms like our One Digital Grid Platform help reduce outages by up to 40%, offering real-time management of distributed energy resources,” she said.
“Digital twins are transforming how oil, gas, and LNG infrastructure is managed, driving competitiveness and resilience.”
Discussing breakthroughs in hydrogen and carbon capture, she noted that the UAE is pioneering solar-powered seawater electrolysis for green hydrogen production, alongside DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project, one of the region’s first.
“These innovations will allow the UAE to capture 25% of the global hydrogen market by 2030,” Chadli said.
On the nation’s net-zero roadmap, she emphasised a comprehensive approach.
“A realistic UAE net-zero plan integrates ambitious sectoral targets with technology, climate finance and resilience-building,” Chadli said.
“Digitalisation and electrification are key to optimising energy efficiency, supporting hydrogen, CCUS and renewable integration within a smart grid.”
As for ESG and green finance, she noted that Schneider Electric has pioneered sustainability-linked convertible bonds and supports UAE businesses in aligning ESG goals with profitability.
“The UAE’s model shows that sustainability and economic growth can advance together,” she said.
“Government incentives, green finance and upskilling programmes ensure companies remain competitive while achieving climate goals.”
Chadli noted that through partnerships such as the TAQANA Energy Solutions facility with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the company is helping localise clean energy manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.
“This is how sovereign wealth can accelerate the global energy transition while creating jobs and building resilience,” she said.
“The UAE’s energy future will be defined by bold decarbonisation, digital transformation and world-class renewable projects. With massive investments in solar, hydrogen and storage, the country is setting a benchmark for sustainable energy systems worldwide.”
