Texas A&M University at Qatar hosts first workshop on smart grid and renewable energy
Published Mar 31, 2015Texas A&M University at Qatar hosted the first workshop on smart grid and renewable energy 22-23 March. The workshop looked at the importance of smart grid and renewable energy resources integration and explored the viability of this advanced technology for Qatar and the world.
Dr. Mark. H. Weichold, dean and CEO at Texas A&M University at Qatar, said, “Texas A&M at Qatar is proud to partner with academic and industry collaborators to help realize sustainable solutions to real-world challenges, and to encourage the exchange of knowledge, ideas and expertise. The First Workshop on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy brought together leading experts from international research institutions and universities, as well as government and private-sector R&D, to discuss the progress and future challenges of smart grid and renewable energies.
“I hope that this workshop served as a platform to foster future interdisciplinary collaborations among the delegates gathered last week.”
The workshop brought together leading scientists, researchers and stakeholders from international and national research institutions, universities and industry to exchange information on medium- to long-term research and future challenges of smart grid and renewable energies. Attendees engaged in discussions of ongoing and future research toward next-generation smart grid technologies and applications, leading to research collaboration opportunities among participants.
The goal of the workshop was to generate a long-term smart grid research agenda relating to smart grid and renewable energy. This should lead to a smarter electric grid that is necessary for maintaining rapid economic development, improved social lifestyle and a greener living environment. Furthermore, the workshop generated awareness in the industries, engineers and researchers about advanced smart grid technologies and their benefits; renewable energy resources and their integration with the smart grid and information and communications technologies and their adoption in the smart grid.
The event was co-organized by Qatar University, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) and Texas A&M at Qatar.
Dr. Mladen Kezunovic, director of Smart Grid Center Extension in Qatar and professor of electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, said, “ The Workshop is unique gathering of world-known experts to discuss state-of-the art issues related to introduction of renewables, as well as reliable and efficient smart grid operation. It positions Qatar as the one of the centers of excellence in research, education and deployment of the future smart grid solutions for the benefits of the citizens of Qatar and the world. It has been a distinguished pleasure to collaborate with the colleagues from Qatar in organizing this unique event, which should pave the way for the future international collaboration”.
The workshop featured speakers from top international academic institutions, QEERI, Qatar University, Texas A&M at Qatar and industry, served as a platform to foster interdisciplinary future collaborations among the participants.
Dr. Rashid Alammari, dean of college of engineering at Qatar University, said, "This workshop sets the tone of collaboration among academic institutions, research institutes and industry. It attracted well known scientists and researchers from around the world. The workshop is expected to generate research on smart grid and renewable energy, which is in alignment with Qatar national research strategy."
Dr. Haitham Abu-Rub, workshop chair, chair of electrical and computer engineering program at Texas A&M at Qatar, senior research scientist at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) and managing director of the Smart Grid Center-Extension in Qatar (SGC-Q), said, “Electric energy is key to every economy and for societal prosperity across the globe. The smart grid effort aims to transform this critical infrastructure into the 21st century using computer-based remote control and automation. The smart grid has been called “electricity with a brain,” the “energy Internet” and the “Electronet.” Basically, the smart grid integrates electricity and information and communication infrastructures to produce electricity more efficiently and reliably, as well as cleanly and safely for the environment.
“This workshop brings together leading scientists, researchers and stakeholders from international and national research institutions, universities and industry to exchange information on medium- to long-term research and future challenges of smart grid and renewable energies. Therefore, attendees will engage in discussions of ongoing and future research toward next-generation smart grid technologies and applications, leading to research collaboration opportunities among participants.”
“We acknowledge the support we received, particularly from Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF. We acknowledge the support from Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Qatar University, College of Engineering, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), British Council at Qatar and all companies sponsoring the event such as ALSTOM, KEYSIGHT and SIEMENS.” Abu-Rub added.