RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, 28 November 2024: RAK Energy Summit concluded with a global conversation on sustainability, renewable energy and decarbonisation. The event, on November 27 and 28 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center in Ras Al Khaimah, featured energy- and HVACR-related stakeholders from the region and from around the world.

The Summit, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, highlighted local and international efforts and best practices in approaching the energy transition. Speakers included H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, who shared the federal government’s perspective on energy transition, and H.E. Yousif Al Ali, CEO, Etihad Water and Electricity, who shared his vision for developing the Northern Emirates’ grid.

H.E. Al Mazrouei said: “As the world strives to reach net zero by mid-century, developing and adopting the latest sustainability practices and solutions that support the energy transition has become a top priority on the world’s agenda. In its second edition, the RAK Energy Summit is growing to become a world-class platform for integrating sustainability in the energy sector. The Summit is an ideal opportunity for stakeholders to network, form partnerships and develop sustainable energy solutions that can further cement the UAE’s position as a global driver of the energy transition.

“In line with the UAE’s ambitious vision for the energy sector, the country works relentlessly towards improving resource efficiency with a focus on leveraging state-of-the-art smart technologies and investing in research and development to devise innovative solutions to energy and water challenges. Inter-sectoral local and international collaboration is key to achieving future energy objectives.”

H.E. Al Ali said, “As we proudly stand as the lead partner for the second edition of RAK Energy Summit, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, we at EtihadWE are committed to leading the transition towards renewable and sustainable energy in the UAE and beyond. This summit provides an exceptional platform to showcase our pivotal projects, such as the high-efficiency Naqa’a RO Plant, Khuraijah Water Distribution Centre, the Distributed Solar System (DSS) and our groundbreaking AMI Smart Meters project. These initiatives, along with others, are at the heart of our strategy to

achieve the goals of the climate neutrality strategy and enhance energy efficiency across the GCC, propelling sustainable energy goals into the future.”

The Summit featured a strong international presence, with presentations by Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim, Chief Executive Officer, GCC Interconnection Authority from Saudi Arabia, on regional grid integration; Lucas Boehlé, Energy Efficiency Analyst, International Energy Agency (IEA) from France, on global energy efficiency trends; and Anne Dekeukelaere, Executive Director, CWSC (Center for Worldwide Sustainable Construction) – EPFL University, Switzerland, on decarbonisation of the cement industry.

Andrea Di Gregorio, Executive Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, elaborated on Ras Al Khaimah’s plans for the energy transition. He announced significant upgrades to Ras Al Khaimah’s energy and sustainability strategy, aimed at increasing the scope as well as the impact of interventions. Key announcements included a revised strategy with a broader focus on decarbonisation and environment protection alongside energy efficiency and renewables, and new mandates to promote accelerated intervention for the government in the fields of energy efficiency and green procurement.

Additionally, the event was an occasion for the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to announce the winners of the 8th edition of the UAE Energy Management Awards for 2024. Abu Dhabi Distribution Company earned first place honour, while ENOC Corporate Real Estate and Al Futtaim Real Estate achieved second and third places, respectively. The award is based on an assessment conducted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), and recognises implementation of best practices in energy management.

The Summit also marked a significant milestone with the announcement of the National Industry Sustainability Initiative, a collaborative initiative between MoEI & MoIAT. Central to the initiative was the launch of the UAE Industry Registry Platform, to support the implementation of the Federal Energy Management Regulation in Industrial Facilities. The ministerial initiative, presented by H.E. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and H.E. Omar Ahmed Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, underscores the UAE’s drive to sustainability and energy efficiency in the industrial sector.

The programme also included a presentation from Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and RAKGAS, technology showcases from EDF Group and Schneider Electric, along with panel discussions on fuels and energy carriers of the future and energy-intensive industries. The event concluded with a roundtable session on sustainability in the hospitality sector, led by the Advancing Net Zero Volunteering Team.

Speaking on the event, Dharmesh Sawant, General Manager, Hisense HVAC, said: “Sustainability drives innovation at Hisense HVAC, empowering us to deliver eco-friendly,

high-performance solutions aligned with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision. We proudly support RAK Energy Summit and look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to advance sustainability in future projects across the emirate.”

Simon Huber, Managing Director Europe, Innovia Films, said: “We align with the vision of RAK Energy Summit, and we are dedicated to raising awareness about sustainable material alternatives that offer a significantly lower carbon footprint and environmental benefits. Promoting awareness and market education is essential to encouraging adoption, and we look forward to showcasing the future of sustainable advertising and graphic films at this year’s summit.”

Ras Al Khaimah Municipality hosted the Summit with the support of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), as Lead Partner, and of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and 15 local government entities in Ras Al Khaimah.