Abu dhabi: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have signed an agreement to jointly develop advanced energy system tools that will contribute to the stability and resilience of the UAE's rapidly decarbonising energy sector. As Abu Dhabi and the UAE's energy mix evolves at an unprecedented pace, EWEC is executing a comprehensive strategy to transform the water and power sector, aiming for nearly emissions-free water production by 2030 and 60% of Abu Dhabi's energy demand to be met by renewable and clean energy sources.
According to Emirates News Agency, this ambitious target includes the large-scale deployment of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, which are forecast to exceed 30 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, complemented by 8GW of battery energy storage systems and the decoupling of water and power through low-carbon-intensive reverse osmosis desalination. With increased integration of renewable energy sources across the country, effective grid stability management becomes crucial to ensure a reliable power supply. EWEC and Khalifa University will work together to develop intelligent software modules designed to enhance critical grid functions.
The collaboration will focus on creating intelligent modules to support the integration of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems with energy storage into the power grid. These will include modules designed to predict power ramping requirements, serving as advisory tools for operators to ensure system limits are maintained securely. Moreover, the partnership will develop machine learning-based tools for estimating system inertia and forecasting frequency deviations, providing recommendations to mitigate potential risks to grid stability.
Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, emphasized that this collaboration directly supports EWEC's mission and reflects its broader role in shaping the UAE's energy future. By integrating advanced analytics, AI-driven forecasting, and national research partnerships, EWEC aims to build capabilities that will underpin a future-ready water and power sector, driving progress toward the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, highlighted that this collaboration is a strategic investment in the UAE's energy future, positioning Khalifa University at the forefront of innovation and national strategy. By harnessing advanced deep learning and intelligent modelling, the university will contribute to shaping resilient, data-driven power systems that anticipate demand, optimize supply, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon generation.
The partnership will enhance real-time operational decision-making and resilience, supporting the UAE's long-term energy security and decarbonisation efforts. It will also advance national research and development capabilities through a structured knowledge-transfer package, including technical documentation, training, and a multi-day operational workshop. The collaboration ensures Emirati participation in the project team, with monthly reporting on skills transfer and national capacity-building outcomes.
This initiative aligns with EWEC's long-term strategy to deliver a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy system that integrates advanced analytics with world-class infrastructure to ensure stability, accelerate decarbonisation, and build national capability for the next generation of system operators and energy leaders.