REM talked to Dr Mostafa AlGuezeri, Managing Director for the Gulf and Maghreb at Hitachi Energy, to find out more about how Hitachi Energy is attempting to achieve equitable progress in renewable energy deployment within the Middle East region.
How serious are Middle East countries about increasing renewables when the region has been heavily dominated by fossil fuel exploitation?
Middle Eastern countries are increasingly committed to incorporating renewable energy into their energy portfolios, driven by the need for sustainable development and economic diversification. For example, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to diversify the country's energy mix, targeting 50 percent clean energy by 2050 and reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 percent. The strategy also aims for 30 percent clean energy by 2030, reflecting the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in sustainable energy.
Similarly, Qatar has launched its National Vision 2030, which includes substantial investments in renewable energy projects and targets to generate 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This vision reflects Qatar's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and fostering sustainable development.
Oman is also making significant strides with its National Energy Strategy, which aims for a 30 percent share of renewables in its energy mix by 2030. This includes ambitious solar and wind projects that align with global efforts to combat climate change.
Egypt has outlined its Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) 2035, aiming to produce 42 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. This strategy is supported by substantial investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects, highlighting Egypt's proactive approach toward a sustainable energy future.
These initiatives indicate a strong regional commitment to advancing a sustainable energy future for all. By investing in renewables, Middle Eastern countries are addressing climate change, enhancing energy security, and creating new economic opportunities. Hitachi Energy is proud to collaborate with these nations, providing innovative solutions that support their ambitious energy transition goals.
What has Hitachi Energy been doing in the region to assist the transition?
Hitachi Energy has been actively involved in numerous projects across the Middle East to support the region’s transition to renewable energy. We collaborate with our regional customers, partners, and stakeholders to accelerate the energy transition toward a carbon-neutral future.
For instance, we supplied large generator step-up transformers, protection and telecommunication systems to China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor for construction of the Al Dhafra PV2 Solar project in Abu Dhabi.
We recently collaborated with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) to upgrade the Al-Fadhili HVDC converter station in Saudi Arabia. This converter station interconnects the power grids across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and maintains the stability of the connected grids. This upgrade project will replace hardware and software with Hitachi Energy’s cutting-edge MACH control and protection system, enhancing the grid stability and efficiency.
In Egypt, we are supporting the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) in its journey to make the country a regional hub for electricity exchange between Africa and Europe. Our SVC Light solution is improving grid stability and expanding transmission capacity, supporting rural development and the country's goal to become a regional electricity hub. These projects exemplify our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the region.
In Qatar, Hitachi Energy has implemented advanced grid management systems and its grid connection solution to integrate the world’s largest solar photovoltaic plant, the Al Kharsaah Solar PV Plant, into the national power grid. These solutions optimize energy distribution and enhance grid reliability by monitoring and controlling the flow of electricity, ensuring a stable power supply despite the variability of renewable energy sources.
Assuming solar power and wind dominate in the Middle East with regard to renewables, what other technologies have Middle Eastern countries been deploying?
In addition to solar and wind power, Middle Eastern countries are also leveraging complementary technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of their renewable energy systems. Hitachi Energy has been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to support these initiatives across various regional countries.
HVDC technology is critical in transmitting large amounts of electricity over long distances with minimal losses. In Egypt, Hitachi Energy has supplied HVDC systems for the Egypt-Saudi Arabia interconnection project, linking the two countries' power grids. This technology ensures efficient exchange of renewable energy from solar and wind farms, significantly reducing energy losses. In the UAE, Hitachi Energy also supplies its HVDC Light technology to connect the ADNOC’s offshore operations to the country's onshore power grid. Aimed at enabling a sustainable, flexible, and secure power supply, this is the first HVDC power-from-shore solution outside the Norwegian waters.
Digital substations are essential for integrating renewable energy sources efficiently and improving grid reliability. Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO) and Hitachi Energy have delivered a first-of-its-kind ‘substation to substation’ digital solution, as part of the 400 kilovolt (kV) Al Dhafra switching station project. As a key component of smart power grids, digital substations provide utilities with high quality data for faster and better-informed decision making and at the same time, enables a safer working environment.
In the UAE, Hitachi Energy has supplied MicroSCADA, an advanced substation control and monitoring system, for 33 substations operated by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). These substations incorporate advanced digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and safety, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the overall performance of the electrical grid.
Projects like the Hatta Hydro project, expected to generate 250 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, highlight a shift toward integrating renewable energy into the electrical grid. Such initiatives are enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, setting a precedent for cleaner power solutions.
In Bahrain, Hitachi Energy is working with the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), the country’s national electric and water utility, to supply a power quality solution to improve the national transmission grid. The solution comprises three SVC Light STATCOMs (static synchronous compensators) installed close to load centers to improve grid stability and increase power flows throughout the entire grid.
Has there been any sign of Middle Eastern countries closing down fossil fuel plants to assist the renewable energy transition further?
There is a noticeable shift in focus toward renewable energy projects and reducing the carbon footprint of existing fossil fuel operations in the Middle East.
At Hitachi Energy, we support these initiatives by offering advanced technologies that improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems. Our innovative solutions align with the region’s ambitions for a cleaner energy future. Together with customers, partners, and stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition toward a carbon-neutral future.
How do you see the situation improving over the next 5-10 years?
Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Middle Eastern countries are aligning their energy strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Governments in the region are making substantial investments in renewable energy projects and grid modernization efforts, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Hitachi Energy has been reinforcing its commitment to a carbon-neutral energy future through EconiQ, its eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability. Through EconiQ, we have been consistently investing to address the growing demand for eco-efficient solutions and lead innovation to lower the environmental impact of our product solutions, and we support the quest toward carbon-neutrality.
Globally, the transition toward sustainable energy sources is expected to accelerate. Increased adoption of advanced technologies, such as High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems and grid stabilization solutions, will play a critical role. Collaboration and innovation will be essential drivers in achieving climate goals and advancing toward a more resilient and carbon-neutral energy landscape.
By leveraging our advanced technologies and collaborations, we will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance grid connectivity, support offshore operations with cleaner power solutions, and integrate renewable energy sources. These efforts will position the Middle East as a leader in sustainable energy over the next decade, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable world for today’s generations and those to come.
For additional information:
