Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi has long pioneered energy innovation. As the emirate shapes the future of the energy sector, smart grids, digital twins, and decentralised systems have become pivotal to the ongoing transformation, an industry expert has told Aletihad.
“The convergence of sustainability goals, digital transformation, and energy resilience is accelerating the shift toward more intelligent, decentralised energy infrastructure,” said Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric, a global energy management and automation company.
Smart grids, she explained, provide real-time control of distributed energy resources (DER) and enable data-driven decision-making.
With sustainability now a top priority, such solutions are vital to integrating solar energy and managing consumption to lower peak loads and emissions.
Decentralised energy systems, especially microgrids, are becoming essential in Abu Dhabi’s urban planning and industrial zone development, supporting critical infrastructure like hospitals and data centres, Chadli said. “They also support energy independence and reduce transmission losses.”
Schneider Electric particularly highlighted the deployment of modular microgrid solutions that combine solar PV, battery storage, and energy management systems. “These systems are sustainable and economically viable, thanks to the falling costs of renewables and storage technologies,” the expert said.
Another standout innovation in the sector is the use of digital twins. “In Abu Dhabi, where large-scale infrastructure projects are the norm, digital twins help create virtual replicas of physical assets, enabling predictive maintenance, performance optimisation, and scenario planning,” Chadli said.
By combining digital twins with AI and Internet of Things, “we can simulate energy flows, forecast demand, and optimise asset performance in real time – improving operational efficiency while supporting the emirate’s Net Zero by 2050 ambitions,” she added.
Beyond Sustainable Infrastructure
Chadli emphasised that this transformation is not limited to Abu Dhabi’s buildings or urban development alone.
“Digitalisation is the real hero here – with AI-driven insights and real-time data analytics, we are helping oil and gas companies optimise energy use, reduce emissions, and improve operational efficiency.”
AI and predictive analytics, Chadli added, “are transforming how we generate and consume energy”. Amid the evolving landscape, training and upskilling the workforce is also crucial.
“The UAE’s Net Zero strategy is projected to create 200,000 jobs in the energy industry,” said Chadli, stressing the need for green and digital skills.
“Companies must realise that talent is a strategic asset. There is a real opportunity here for digital academies, reskilling training, and hands-on training.”
