About Dr. Abdulla Isa Alabbasi
Dr. Abdulla Isa Alabbasi is a strategic leader in energy transition with more than fifteen years of experience shaping energy policy and long-term transition strategies across renewable energy systems, nuclear technologies, and artificial intelligence–driven energy planning.
He currently serves as Director of the Energy and Environmental Studies Program at the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), where he leads research initiatives focused on sustainable energy systems, climate policy, and regional energy security.
Dr. Alabbasi’s work focuses on transforming energy systems across the Gulf region through the integration of renewable energy, advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and data-driven decision-making frameworks.
His research and policy work support governments, international organizations, and regional stakeholders in developing resilient and sustainable energy strategies for the future.
ABDULLA ISA ALABBASI
Electricity and Water Authority – Bahrain
Transmission Directorate
Senior Electrical Engineer (Protection Section)
2010 – 2018 Before joining Derasat, Dr. Alabbasi worked at the national Electricity and Water Authority where he contributed to critical projects related to grid protection and infrastructure reliability. During this period he: Led projects improving the protection systems of the national electricity grid Implemented advanced diagnostic and maintenance protocols for electrical infrastructure Contributed to improving the efficiency and resilience of Bahrain’s power transmission system
Education
PhD – Energy and Sustainability
University of Surrey
2018 – 2021
Doctoral research focused on decision-making in the energy sector and sustainable generation expansion planning using renewable energy systems.
Dr. Alabbasi has played a key role in shaping strategic energy initiatives across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), focusing on long-term transformation of national energy systems.
His work integrates renewable energy deployment with emerging nuclear solutions while advancing the use of artificial intelligence and digital simulation tools in energy planning.
He has been actively involved in international collaborations addressing major challenges including energy security, climate change, and sustainable infrastructure development.
One of Dr. Alabbasi’s most significant contributions is the establishment of Bahrain’s first real-time digital simulation facility, the Artificial Intelligence Renewable Energy Laboratory (AIRE Lab).
The laboratory integrates artificial intelligence technologies with renewable energy systems to support advanced energy modelling and national strategic planning.
The project was supported by a research grant of $300,000 and represents a major step forward in the development of AI-enabled energy systems in the region.
The AIRE Lab provides policymakers with advanced analytical tools to simulate energy scenarios and support data-driven decisions for national energy transition pathways.
Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat)
2018 – Present
Dr. Alabbasi leads high-level research programs focused on energy transition, sustainability policy, and environmental strategy across the Gulf region.
His responsibilities include:
- Leading strategic research on renewable energy and climate policy
- Advising policymakers on sustainable energy systems
- Managing international research collaborations and grants
- Developing regional policy frameworks for energy security and decarbonization
- Overseeing projects related to smart grids and renewable energy integration
International Research and Collaboration
Dr. Alabbasi actively collaborates with international institutions and research programs addressing global energy and climate challenges.
His collaborations include projects with organizations such as the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Development Programme. He currently leads a regional project assessing the feasibility of Small Modular Reactors for water desalination across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This project evaluates technical, economic, and policy considerations for nuclear-powered desalination systems in the region.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
- “Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable Energy” – Energy Journal
“Cash Transfers and Electricity Subsidy Reform” – Energy Policy
“Agent-Based Modeling of Residential Solar Adoption” – Solar Energy
“Renewable Energy in the Regional Policies of the Arab Gulf States”
• Energy Policy Reform
• Renewable Energy Adoption Models
• Electricity Subsidy Transformation
• AI-Based Generation Expansion Planning
• GCC Power Market Integration
• Climate & Sustainability Strategy
Dr. Alabbasi has secured and managed several international research grants supporting renewable energy innovation and policy development.
Notable projects include:
A $3 million regional research project on Small Modular Reactors for desalination across GCC countries
A $150,000 collaborative research grant focused on renewable energy development in the Middle East and North Africa
A U.S. Embassy research program supporting international knowledge exchange and workshops
Policy research and consultancy projects conducted for the United Nations Development Programme
MSc – Renewable Energy Systems Engineering (Distinction)
University of Surrey
2014 – 2015
Advanced study of renewable energy technologies, sustainability policy, energy systems engineering, and low-carbon infrastructure development.
BSc – Electrical Engineering
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
2004 – 2009
Foundation in electrical engineering with focus on power systems and energy infrastructure.
International Conferences and Global Engagement
Dr. Alabbasi has participated in more than fifty international conferences across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
He regularly contributes as a keynote speaker, panelist, moderator, and steering committee member at major global forums addressing energy transition and climate policy.
His participation includes events organized by:
International Association for Energy Economics
CIGRE – International Council on Large Electric Systems
International policy forums on energy transition and sustainability
These engagements enable him to contribute to international dialogue on energy policy, renewable systems, and global energy markets.
U.S. Department of State
Dr. Alabbasi was selected as the first and only GCC participant in this program hosted at Texas Southern University.
During the fellowship he worked on projects involving:
Distributed renewable energy systems
Urban microgrid infrastructure
Solar energy storage modelling
Community-level sustainable energy solutions
Dr. Alabbasi became the first Bahraini selected for this global leadership program hosted by
Yale University.
The program brings together emerging leaders working on climate policy, energy transition, and sustainable development across the Global South.
University of Surrey
2018 – 2021
Doctoral research focused on decision-making in the energy sector and sustainable generation expansion planning using renewable energy systems.
