Smart grid integration in focus at international conference co-organized by Texas A&M at Qatar and Kahramaa
Published Jan 14, 2024
More than 150 delegates discussed the key role of smart grid integration and renewable energy resources in shaping the future at the Fourth International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy (SGRE24).
Organized by Texas A&M University at Qatar in partnership with Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), the three-day event featured several international keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition.
Other organizing partners include Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Gazi University in Turkey.
The conference offered an opportunity for participants — industry leaders, researchers and academia — to discuss ongoing and prospective research, paving the way for collaborations that can drive the development of next-generation smart grid and renewable energy technologies. The overarching goal of the event was to formulate a comprehensive smart grid research agenda, contributing to the creation of a smarter electric grid essential for sustained economic development, improved social lifestyles and a greener living environment.
Dr. Patrick Linke, senior associate dean research and graduate studies at Texas A&M at Qatar, welcomed the delegates and guests.
He said, “The Smart Grid Center at Texas A&M aims to transform the electrical grid infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st Century. The center’s interdisciplinary research teams here in Qatar and on our main campus are working together and with KAHRAMAA to develop more innovative and effective smart grid solutions.”
According to Dr. Haitham Abu-Rub, managing director of Smart Grid Center Qatar and chairperson of SGRE, the organizing committee received more than 172 submissions from more than 300 authors from 27 countries, with 119 papers accepted for publication. Abu-Rub also expressed his gratitude for the sponsors including OpalRT Technologies (Canada), Qatar Shell, and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East (ME).
Dr. Abu-Rub said, “Recognizing the pivotal role of smart grid integration and renewable energy resources in shaping the future, this conference serves as a platform for leading scientists, researchers, and stakeholders from across the globe. “We are excited to facilitate discussions on the viability of advanced technologies in smart grids, and renewable energies. Our aim is to foster an exchange of information on medium- to long-term research and address the future challenges in these fields.”