CESI Middle East at “Powering Island Futures”

On January 10, 2026, Pierluigi Vicini, Managing Director of CESI Middle East, took part as a distinguished panelist at the event Powering Island Futures: Women, Water & Energy at the Heart of Resilience, held during the Sixteenth IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi. The event, organized by the Embassy of Italy, the Permanent Mission of the UAE to IRENA, and IRENA, brought together high-level decision-makers to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the context of climate change and the energy transition.

During the moderated discussion, Pierluigi Vicini focused on the pivotal role of advanced technologies in decarbonizing island energy systems. He highlighted the importance of interconnections for major islands, referencing Italy’s leadership with projects such as SACOI/SAPEI and the recent connection of Capri as a smaller island example. Where interconnections are not feasible, he emphasized the need for robust generation planning to ensure decarbonization while maintaining affordability and security of supply, distributed storage solutions, and effective grid management—areas where CESI has delivered expertise in numerous countries.

The event also featured opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment, and H.E. Mr. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, underscoring the international collaboration at the heart of the initiative. The agenda included contributions from leaders in innovation, water technology, and sustainable island development, reinforcing the event’s holistic approach to resilience through energy, water, and gender parity.