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5G and digital transformation in the energy sector will bring plenty of opportunities for value creation and innovation. Collaboration and open innovation among telecom operators, industries and governments will bring joint 5G success, creating new eco-systems and business models, said Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat Group.

Al Shamsi explained the advantages of 5G technology compared to previous wireless generations and shared the various features it brings to industries during his keynote titled ‘Leveraging 5G to Drive Sustainability & Enable innovation in the Energy Sector’ during the 24th World Energy Congress (WEC) held from 9–12 September 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

His keynote stressed on the important role of Etisalat as a telco and digital solutions provider to innovate in tailoring specific vertical solutions by working closely with partners.

The mass connectivity of sensors and IoT devices is extremely relevant as upto 1 million devices can be connected in a square km, increasing the potential of remotely covering and monitoring a huge location like an oil field or a refinery with more than hundreds of thousands of sensors with a single 5G station.

Al Shamsi said: “Today there are immense opportunities with 5G for industrial verticals looking for new ways to enable innovation with futuristic technologies such as IoT, AI and robotics improving efficiency and productivity, supporting the development of new products and services. 5G is the cornerstone for Industry 4.0 and key for digital enablement, industry stakeholders must collaborate to pilot, trial and experiment with advanced technologies that are critical to capture the full potential of the energy sector.”

“With Etisalat’s focus on ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ we work closely with the energy and utilities sector in supporting them leverage the benefits from the 5G network and technology, innovate jointly, optimise their business processes and provide more efficient and profitable business.

Etisalat also participated in panel sessions aimed at sharing best practice and identifying solutions for the key issues facing the sector. Alberto Araque, Vice President, IoT & Digital Payments, Etisalat Digital, joined global energy leaders and experts in a panel discussion on “The age of digitalisation: a new vision for energy systems”. Kamran Ahsan, Senior Director, Security Solutions, Etisalat Digital, participated in a panel discussion titled “Cybersecurity, 3 clicks from collapse” that highlighted the importance of increasing resilience to cyber risk to current and future energy security.

Etisalat’s stand featured live demos and presentations on IoT and security, namely Smart Service Station, Connected Worker, Smart Utilities, Device Security, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Infrastructure, and ICS Security Operations.

The World Energy Congress is the world’s largest and most influential energy event covering all aspects of the energy agenda. High profile attendees included ministers, energy leaders, and prominent experts. Running since 1924, the Congress enables dialogue among Ministers, CEOs, policy-makers and industry practitioners on important developments in the energy sector.

Under the theme ‘Energy for Prosperity’, the 24th World Energy Congress defines the strategy for a collaborative, sustainable and innovative energy future that enables societal, commercial and community prosperity. It marked the first time the Congress has been hosted in a Middle Eastern city, and by an OPEC member country, in the event’s 95-year history.