Singapore, Abu Dhabi to pilot smart utilities solutions in the emirate

SINGAPORE - Nine Singapore organisations have signed agreements with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DOE) to pilot innovative utilities solutions and build capabilities for both power and water in Abu Dhabi, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and PUB said in a joint statement on Wednesday (Feb 21).

These organisations include: artificial intelligence incubator, Addo AI; smart energy solutions provider, Diamond Energy; wholesale electricity market operator, Energy Market Company; and engineering consultancy Meinhardt.

The others are Singapore's national water agency, PUB; the National University of Singapore; the Singapore Management University; energy utility firm, SP Group; and tech company, Zweec Analytics.

The memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed on Feb 20 and 21 with the facilitation of IE Singapore. In the second quarter this year, IE Singapore will also lead a smart utilities mission to the Middle East to help more companies explore opportunities across the region.

Traditionally dependent on oil and gas, Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is now diversifying into building infrastructure, and the manufacturing and services sectors.

Therefore, it is investing to boost the efficiency of its utilities by reducing transmission losses in power and water through smart metering and leakage detection systems.

"Beyond Abu Dhabi, the UAE is taking steps to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and aims to generate almost half the country's power needs from renewable sources," PUB and IE Singapore said.

The UAE has earmarked over S$200 billion to invest in smart utilities and renewable energy projects.

Among other things, PUB and the DOE will collaborate in capability and technology development for areas of common interest, including water quality monitoring technologies, and water and wastewater networks.

In addition, SP Group's global training arm - SP Global Solutions - will share digital solutions and best engineering practices to enable the DOE to achieve its aim of boosting energy efficiency.

"With over 400 Singapore companies operating across the emirates, Singapore and the UAE enjoy growing business, trade and investment links. As Abu Dhabi accelerates its economic diversification, it is also modernising its utilities sector," said IE Singapore group director of Middle East and Africa Group, G Jayakrishnan.

Separately, SP Global Solution's director, Peter Leong, said that the group looks forward to "strengthening its capabilities through digital technologies to deliver sustainable solutions for customers in Singapore and the UAE".

PUB manages Singapore's water supply, water catchment and used water, while IE Singapore is the government agency that promotes international trade and partners Singapore companies to go global.

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