Department of Energy Opens Event for Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and its Subsidiaries

The Department of Energy (DoE), the entity responsible for strengthening the pioneering status and sustainability of the energy sector in Abu Dhabi recently opened an activation event for the Abu Dhabi Power Corporation. Abu Dhabi Power is an entity with a mandate to oversee the performance and guide the development of the energy sector in the UAE’s capital by overseeing the financial and operational performance of its Operating and Holding Companies (OpCos, HoldCos) of Utility Assets, from the generation of power and water, through transmission and distribution to the end-user).

The event took place following the successful completion of a ‘100 Day Plan’, which set the foundations of Abu Dhabi Power’s transformation journey in its capacity as active asset owner.

The activation event that strategically mapped out the objectives of the transformation process through key insights into the initial outcomes of the 100-day plan took place in Abu Dhabi with more than 250 executives from Abu Dhabi Power and its subsidiaries. VIP guests in attendance included H.E Eng. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry and H.E Eng. Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy.

To mark the occasion, H.E Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy said: “Today represents a key transformation in terms of unifying the efforts of all involved partners in the sector under one unified platform and at greater levels. This is in response to the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership which aims to utilize the energy sector with all its traditional and renewable resources to diversify sources of national income and achieve sustainable development in line with the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050. “

“We are working with our partners to streamline efforts and put in place the required frameworks and strategies that provide the opportunity for all parties to contribute effectively to achieving the objectives that have been put forth for the sector.”

H.E Al Marar added, “We also seek to raise awareness on the energy sector’s role and impact on the national economy in addition to the steps that all parties can take to guide consumption and reduce expenses by adopting the highest standards and best international practices. Therefore, we ensure that roles are clearly defined within the sector across all organizational and operational levels and throughout generation, transmission and distribution of energy resources, and the provision of water and electricity services among others.”

On his part, H.E Saif Al Hajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Power said, “The event represented an important operational framework and turning point for Abu Dhabi Power as we take on the role of active asset owner and sector enabler.  Abu Dhabi Power is working closely with its partners to support the growth of the sector as our mandate is to drive the transformation of Abu Dhabi’s water and power sectors into a more competitive, profitable and self-sufficient sector that can absorb further growth and act as a catalyst for future prosperity, while the Department plays a vital role in policy formation and regulation, enhancing the energy sector and keeping pace with global developments.”

H.E Al Hajeri added, “Through the activation event, we shed light on the pillars and guiding principles that form our new governance and organizational structure, in addition to the commitments needed from all parties to optimize performance, operational output and boost the sector’s commercial viability in line with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.”

H.E Al Hajeri went on to say that despite the notable change and transformation process, the invaluable contributions of Abu Dhabi Power’s subsidiaries have been instrumental to securing market needs and offering world-class consumer services.

Abu Dhabi Power Corporation was recently formed as an enabler and driver of transformation in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector in light of the decree by His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in February 2018, where Abu Dhabi folded utility Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and the Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB)  into the emirate’s newly established Department of Energy as part of the emirate’s strategy to shape a robust local economy.

The activation presentation covered the future vision, transformation architecture and governance. Clear roles and responsibilities of stakeholders were also defined to empower the transformation with an effective operating model.

During the event, Abu Dhabi Power and its subsidiaries highlighted how they will work diligently to generate and add notable value to the country’s energy mix while supporting the national socio-economic and development pillars of the UAE as outlined by the country’s wise leadership, including the ‘Abu Dhabi Vision 2030’ and the UAE’s ‘Energy Strategy 2050’. This comes at the time when Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE continue to witness fast-paced growth that demands greater efficiencies, sustainability and innovation in power and water generation, transmission and distribution.

Other key topics that were highlighted during the activation day included Abu Dhabi Power’s mandate which translates into four key principles: creating value through an active asset owner approach, empowering subsidiaries as independent entities, improving decision-making through outcome-driven execution and strengthening regulatory compliance by streamlined DoE/subsidiaries interface.

In addition, the plans for Abu Dhabi Power’s transformation journey during the next 100 days were communicated including the launch implementation of transformation initiatives, monitoring progress and initiating a capability building program. 

The activation overview was delivered by Mr. Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Power and Managing Directors and senior executives of the four subsidiaries delivered speeches outlining their key successes, future initiatives, commitment to the activation principles and expected impact on their individual businesses.

Speakers included H.E Saeed Alsuwaidi, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC), Mr. Abdulla Alsheryani, Acting Managing Director Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC), Mr. Bruce Smith –  Advisor, Planning and Studies Director at Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (ADWEC), Mr. Bruce Stedall - Asset Management Director at Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (TRANSCO).