TRANSMISSION IS THE PASSAGE TO NET ZERO

As the UAE positions itself as a regional leader on climate change, our transmission sector is working diligently to make the UAE’s energy goals a reality, says Dr Afif Al Yafei, chief

executive officer of Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (TRANSCO)

WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL IMPRESSION OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE DESALINATION INDUSTRY IN THE GCC?

The GCC market is really booming, since the last I would say, 5 to 10 years. ENGIE has been present in this region for the last 40 years. So we have been working with off takers in order to meet the growing demand. ENGIE portfolio on desalination in this region has exponentially expanded over the last years. We are currently producing more than 5.5 million cubic meters per day, which is around 1300 MIGD (million imperial gallons per day) of potable water to feed the full GCC countries. The impression is that the demand is still to be met. So we are working really closely with the off takers in order to understand better what their needs are and also trying to work hand in hand with them to address current and future market needs relating to desalination.

AS DEMAND FOR POTABLE WATER CONTINUES TO GROW IN THE REGION, WHAT STRATEGY IS ENGIE ADVANCING TO TAKE THE STING OUT OF A SUPPLYDEMAND IMBALANCE?

As is told you earlier, one of the things that we are doing is to be as close as possible to our clients, which are mainly government utilities that have the main plan in terms of demand and population growth. We have also been witnessing rapid

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