Smart grids can reduce peak demand for electricity by providing information and incentives to consumers so as to enable them to shift consumption to other periods, an expert from Kahramaa said yesterday.
Jaber, Ghanem, and Imad share the dais as Dr Fadli speaks at the QGBC event yesterday
“The management of peak demand can enable better system planning throughout the entire electricity system, increasing options for new loads such as electric vehicles,” explained Dr Mohamed Imad, senior technical engineer, Energy and Water Conservation Department.
He was giving a presentation on ‘Smart energy in Qatar,’ at a conference on ‘Sustainable urbanism in Doha: Energy, development, and society,’ hosted by Qatar Green Building Council to mark World Environment Day and launch its Energy Interest Group, of which Kahramaa is a founding
organisation.
Dr Imad explained that smart energy is driving the development of smarter cities and smart energy grids are the backbone of smart cities.
“A smart grid is an electric network that uses digital and other advanced technologies to monitor and manage the transmission of electricity from all generation sources to meet the varying electricity demands of end-users,” he said.
Smart grids operate all parts of the system as efficiently as possible minimising costs and environmental impacts while maximising system reliability, resilience and stability.
“Smart grids are particularly important as they enable several other low carbon energy technologies, including electric vehicles, variable renewable energy sources and demand response,” he said.
The development of smart grid is essential if the global community is to achieve shared goals for energy security, economic development and climate change mitigation.
Referring to the situation in Qatar, Dr Imad pointed out that 99% of potable water production is by thermal desalination plants.
“Conservation of water decreases the auxiliary demand on power for water production, as water and power are co-produced in Qatar so far,” he observed.
Recalling that Kahramaa’s customers increased from 140,881 in 1999 to 277,000 in 2012, the official cited the estimated projection that the number will increase to 417,000 in 2022.
The current area of interest for Kahramaa is the advanced metering infrastructure, a stepping stone towards smart grid.
“The principles used in smart cities are a necessity for sustainable development in Qatar,” he added.
The conference was earlier opened by Mohamed Jaber, head of the Education Committee, QGBC, who also chaired the proceedings of the day.
A panel led by Elissa Ghanem (consulting sales manager for Daikin McQuay Middle East and Africa), and Benjamin Figgis, (external affairs and technology adviser for Chevron Qatar) introduced climate-based energy modelling solutions developed from data gathered on trending local occupant-behaviours. The panel also discussed the prospect of effectively harnessing solar energy in Qatar.
This was followed by a lecture on ‘Sustainability assessment methods and tools for practice’ by Dr Fodil Fadli, professor of architecture, Qatar University.
A team of students from Qatar University led by Dr Hussam H Salama, professor of architecture, presented their ideas on increasing the scope of sustainable tourism in Qatar.
Jaber, also head of electrical engineering from the leading consultancy firm KEO, discussed Qatar Sustainability Assessment System-compliant interior lighting guidelines.
The event was rounded off with a session from Prof Ashraf M Salama, professor of architecture, chair, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qatar University, showcasing the growth of Qatar’s sustainable initiatives to date.
Jaber stated that in line with HH the Emir’s Qatar National Vision 2030, the launch of the Energy Interest Group is a milestone in QGBC’s continued efforts in developing a knowledge-based society that champions the development of alternative energy sources.
The event brought together QGBC’s wide membership network that includes universities, government organisations, real estate developers and independent architects and engineers.