Interview: Powering economies through net-zero electricity

Interview: Powering economies through net-zero electricity

Image credit: Supplied by Hitachi Energy

Dr Mostafa AlGuezeri, managing director of Hitachi Energy for the UAE, Gulf, Near East and Pakistan, speaks to Gulf Business about the energy sector’s period of transition towards a net zero future.

Q. What are the building blocks to achieving net-zero electricity?

The path toward achieving 100 percent fossil-free electricity entails several key elements.

A significant shift toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial as they offer clean and sustainable electricity generation while moving away from fossil fuels.

Establishing an efficient and reliable grid infrastructure is essential to accommodate the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Hitachi Energy has been instrumental in advancing grid technologies, notably through HVDC systems. These systems enable efficient electricity transmission over long distances, sending huge amounts of power where it’s needed most, including connecting offshore operations to onshore grids with minimal energy losses.

Digitalisation and smart grid solutions are pivotal for optimising electricity generation and distribution. Promoting energy efficiency measures also plays a vital role in reducing overall electricity consumption. Hitachi Energy’s dedication to energy efficiency, which encompasses waste reduction in grid operations and support for electric truck fleets, aligns with the broader objective of conserving energy resources and curbing