The Iberdrola Innovation
Middle East centre, a new research and development hub developed by
energy company Iberdrola in Doha, was launched yesterday at the Qatar
Science & Technology Park (QSTP).
The centre aims to release new
products and services for the digital utility, working at the
intersection of energy and information and communication technologies.
Focused
on the challenges posed by the digitisation of energy systems, the
Iberdrola Innovation Middle East is a new technology hub from which the
company is developing innovation and consultancy services in three key
areas: smart grids, system integration of renewable sources and energy
efficiency, according to a press statement.
Speaking at the launch
event, CEO of Qatar Investment Authority HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed
bin Saud al-Thani said: “We value our partnership with Iberdrola; being
ranked as No 1 in Europe and 5th worldwide. With QIA being a major
shareholder in Iberdrola, we would like to welcome their Innovation
Middle East technology hub here in Qatar and on the QSTP premises. We
are looking forward to more partnerships through the different companies
that we are major investors in.”
During his speech, Iberdrola
chairman Ignacio Galan said: “As part of Iberdrola’s commitment with
Qatar, I’m pleased to inaugurate Iberdrola Innovation Middle East which,
in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives, is meant to become a
technology benchmark for the energy industry through an open innovation
program in partnership with our associates and universities. It will
offer energy services to improve productivity and the efficiency of
customers and consumers, and technical training focused on smart grids.”
The
executive vice-president of Qatar Foundation Research &
Development, Dr Hamad al-Ibrahim, noted: “We look forward to seeing
great things emerge from this centre and hope it will be a catalyst for
more technology companies to join us in accelerating the development of
their products, and in helping make Qatar a global hub of research,
development and tech innovation.”
Iberdrola QSTP managing director
Santiago Banales presented on the innovation and technology consultancy
projects being implemented in Qatar and the Middle East, together with a
guided tour of the training facilities and smart grid lab.
The event
was also attended by HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud al-Thani, Governor of
Qatar Central Bank; HE Ahmad bin Mohamed al-Sayed, chairman of the Free
Zones Authority; Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari, president of Kahramaa; and
Ignacio Escobar, Spanish ambassador to Qatar.
The event included
three technical workshops co-ordinated by the team of Iberdrola and
several universities, institutions and companies partnering in the
different innovation projects. The workshop tackled the latest technical
developments and challenges in the fields of renewable energy, smart
networks and ways to enhance energy efficiency.
Being fully aligned
with Qatar’s innovation strategy, Iberdrola and its technology partners
are committed to making an outstanding contribution towards fulfilling
Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives, which guide the economic, social,
human and environmental development of the country, the statement adds.
In
addition to its important role as a base for research, Iberdrola
Innovation Middle East is tasked with serving as the central point of
Iberdrola group’s activities in the Middle East.
Officials and dignitaries at the opening of the Iberdrola Innovation Middle East centre at QSTP.