The integration of big data analytics, powered by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), is without doubt a game-changer, offering transformative solutions that drive operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enable data-driven decision-making.
This fusion of cutting-edge technology and industry expertise, quite simply, holds the potential to transform how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed, paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future.
One of the primary benefits of leveraging big data analytics in the energy distribution sector is the enhancement of operational efficiency, where GenAI's advanced algorithms and data processing capabilities enable real-time monitoring and analysis of vast volumes of data generated across the utilities value chain. From production facilities to distribution networks and end-user consumption patterns, every aspect of the energy ecosystem can be meticulously examined and optimised.
Predictive maintenance powered by big data analytics, for example, can transform asset management in the utilities sector, specifically by analysing historical performance data. GenAI on the other hand – once patterns and anomalies that indicate potential equipment failures have been identified – complements a proactive approach with enhanced analysis and planning. This allows energy distribution companies to schedule maintenance activities strategically, minimising downtime, and maximizing asset lifespan.
Optimising supply chains is another area where big data analytics can drive significant efficiency gains for utility companies. GenAI's predictive modelling capabilities can forecast demand trends, optimise inventory levels, and streamline logistics processes, not only reducing operational costs but improving responsiveness to market fluctuations, and enhancing overall competitiveness.
And while operational efficiency is crucial, there’s also an imperative to reduce environmental impact; an issue that has become increasingly urgent in the energy sector. Big data analytics powered by GenAI offer powerful tools to achieve sustainability goals while maintaining effective functionality.
The predictive analytics of big data and AI can prove decisive in energy conservation and emission reduction efforts, whereby GenAI's always-learning algorithms can identify energy-intensive processes, detect inefficiencies, and recommend tactics to minimise waste and lower carbon footprint. This data-driven approach not only contributes to environmental stewardship but also aligns with regulatory requirements and societal expectations for sustainable business practices.
In fact, by analysing data from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind farms, GenAI can greatly improve generation patterns based on weather forecasts, demand projections, and grid conditions. More specifically, it can analyse real-time weather forecasts to predict sunlight intensity, wind speed, and other relevant weather parameters, which helps optimise the operation of solar panels and wind turbines by adjusting their angles, speeds, and output accordingly. Consider, for example, if a cloudy day is forecasted: GenAI can anticipate reduced solar power output and compensate by adjusting other energy sources or storage systems.
GenAI’s ability to continuously monitor grid conditions – like those of voltage levels, load distribution, fault detection, and grid stability – can direct dynamic adjusting of renewable energy generation to maintain integrity and avoid overloading or blackouts. If a grid segment experiences high demand or a sudden load increase, for instance, GenAI can ramp up renewable energy production, or redirect surplus energy to storage systems. It will in effect minimise downtime, improve grid resilience and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Additionally, GenAI's machine learning algorithms can also analyse consumption patterns, predict peak demand periods, and adjust energy production and distribution accordingly, as big data analytics facilitate the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart grid technologies.
At the end of the day, we’re providing our customers with solutions that help them make more informed decisions. GenAI's machine learning algorithms open opportunities to analyse consumer behaviour, preferences, and feedback to personalise energy services, improve pricing models, and enhance overall engagement. This customer-centric approach, in turn, fosters loyalty, drives revenue growth, and positions energy companies as trusted partners in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
The integration of big data analytics powered by GenAI, then, represents a grand shift in the energy distribution sector, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.
Incorporating the power of advanced algorithms, predictive modelling, and real-time data insights into everyday operations will see energy companies clearly navigate complex challenges, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and lead the way towards a cleaner, more resilient energy ecosystem, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Profile of VoucherSkout
Date of launch: November 2016
Founder: David Tobias
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers
Sector: Technology
Size: 18 employees
Stage: Embarking on a Series A round to raise $5 million in the first quarter of 2019 with a 20 per cent stake
Investors: Seed round was self-funded with “millions of dollars”
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Omania, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
Winner: Brehaan, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Craving, Connor Beasley, Simon Crisford
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Prep (PA) Dh100,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Fertile De Croate, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
if you go
The flights
Emirates fly direct from Dubai to Houston, Texas, where United have direct flights to Managua. Alternatively, from October, Iberia will offer connections from Madrid, which can be reached by both Etihad from Abu Dhabi and Emirates from Dubai.
The trip
Geodyssey’s (Geodyssey.co.uk) 15-night Nicaragua Odyssey visits the colonial cities of Leon and Granada, lively country villages, the lake island of Ometepe and a stunning array of landscapes, with wildlife, history, creative crafts and more. From Dh18,500 per person, based on two sharing, including transfers and tours but excluding international flights. For more information, visit visitnicaragua.us.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
