Insights: Why ‘zero hour’ is key to UAE’s energy transition

We will soon mark a historic milestone in the decarbonisation of power, one with ramifications both in the UAE and much further afield. By the end of the decade, we expect to achieve ‘zero hour’, the first hour when Abu Dhabi’s power grid will be operated solely from renewable and clean energy sources. The significance of this is far-reaching.

Zero hour is an important milestone for the energy transition and the utility sector, helping to overcome operability challenges associated with decarbonising the electricity supply and charting the path to net zero.

Zero hour and the benchmark it creates for greater renewable energy integration will be critical to utilising the strides we have made in increasing clean and renewable energy capacity.

So, what exactly will reaching zero hour require? First and foremost, a reliable, robust and flexible mix of renewable and clean energy capacity. The region has been driving the delivery of world-leading carbon-free projects, from solar PV to nuclear and wind.

This mix of electricity generation must be coupled with the growth of storage solutions that help address renewable intermittency, for instance the development of battery energy storage Systems (BESS).

System operability is key to achieving zero hour

Of course, it is not just having the right electricity capacity generation. System operability is also key to achieving zero hour, and one we must actively prepare for. Many grid systems, both in the UAE and globally, were built in an era dominated by gas power plants. However, as we change to a system dominated by renewable and clean energy, the way we operate the grid needs to evolve.

More advanced data analytics and digitalisation are required, and AI will play an important role in maintaining a stable and efficient power system.

We expect the future grid will become super dynamic and intermittent due to the increased penetration of renewable sources and the new types of loads (for example, EVs, data centres). Investing in automation solutions in control and monitoring systems that increase system analytics and contribute to reducing manual interventions necessary for assuring the security of supply and economic despatch is crucial. This will ensure that the grid operates efficiently and securely as it transitions to a renewable-dominated system.

Our experience shows that Abu Dhabi and the UAE are also advancing their ability to forecast short-term demand and power generation requirements to account for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy.

We use some of the most advanced techno-economic modelling systems in this part of the world, and we are already well underway in delivering in-depth weather modelling forecasts, which is essential to accurately forecasting solar and wind supply.

In Abu Dhabi, EWEC is integrating satellite data to break down the energy network into substations to provide even greater accuracy.

Achieving the zero-hour target will require the right people to execute it. We attract relevant worldwide experts and retain talent by critically investing in their continuous development. We believe that human capital is crucial for the success of our strategic plans.

Zero hour is fast approaching and it’s a chance to showcase the world-leading renewable energy projects increasingly synonymous with Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

I am excited by the decarbonising potential this moment will unlock, and the opportunity that we have to deliver clean and renewable energy that will enable a net-zero future.

The writer is the power network operation director at EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company).