Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EtihadWE) proudly takes part in the 19th International Conference and 29th Electrical Equipment Exhibition, CIGRE GCC 2023, hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) from November 13 to 15. In collaboration with the Regional Committee for Electric Power Systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, this event attracts prominent companies from the electricity and energy sectors across the Gulf region.

Engineer Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, emphasized that the CIGRE GCC stands as a leading regional platform for electric power systems. It brings together elite companies and organizations in these vital sectors, attracts world-renowned industry and technology experts. Al Ali underscored EtihadWE’s eagerness to participate in CIGRE to closely acquaint itself with the latest global technologies and innovations in energy services. This event provides an opportunity to set up new strategic partnerships and engage with key experts, specialists, technical solution providers, and decision-makers in this crucial sector for economic sustainability and community development.

At the exhibition, Etihad Water and Electricity Company showcased strategic projects, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovations. These projects significantly contribute to reducing electricity consumption rates in operations and preserving the environment, aligning with national strategies in energy, sustainability, and climate neutrality. Key targets include enhancing energy efficiency, promoting innovation in the sector, reducing carbon emissions, and alleviating environmental burdens.

Leading these projects is the Naqaa Seawater Desalination Plant, using reverse osmosis technology, boasting a daily production capacity of 150 million gallons. This project serves as a cornerstone in realizing the visionary leadership's commitment to achieving water security in the UAE, sustaining fresh water supplies, and reducing water scarcity.

The Naqaa plant relies on advanced and innovative technologies to manage energy in operations, resulting in a remarkable 60% reduction in electricity consumption rates. These technologies include Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), optimizing pump energy consumption by adjusting output pressure and flow rates to match varying process requirements. Additionally, Pressure Exchanger (PX) technology converts energy from rejected water (brine) into feed water to reverse osmosis membranes.

The company also presented innovative technologies applied in the construction and operational model of Al Khuraijah Water Distribution Center. Housing nine main tanks with a capacity of 180 million gallons, this center is the largest strategic water storage facility in the UAE, designed to accommodate the Naqaa plant’s production and increase water storage capacity to address emergency situations.

Advanced and optimized construction methods were employed in the center to mitigate energy consumption, soil degradation, and air pollution. landscaping work was implemented to serve as a carbon sink.

In constructing the center’s tanks, the company adopted the latest globally used technologies, including the Slip Form technique, preventing the formation of expansion joints that occur with traditional construction methods, thereby minimizing water leakage from the tanks and reducing water loss.

It is noteworthy that the CIGRE GCC rotates among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, organized by the Regional Committee for Electric Power Systems in the GCC countries, a subsidiary of the International Council on Large Electric Systems based in Paris.