Iberdrola Innovation ME launched at QSTP

The Iberdrola InnovationMiddle East centre, a new research and development hub developed byenergy company Iberdrola in Doha, was launched yesterday at the QatarScience & Technology Park (QSTP). The centre aims to release newproducts and services for the digital utility, working at theintersection of energy and information and communication technologies. Focusedon the challenges posed by the digitisation of energy systems, theIberdrola Innovation Middle East is a new technology hub from which thecompany is developing innovation and consultancy services in three keyareas: smart grids, system integration of renewable sources and energyefficiency, according to a press statement.Speaking at the launchevent, CEO of Qatar Investment Authority HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamedbin Saud al-Thani said: “We value our partnership with Iberdrola; beingranked as No 1 in Europe and 5th worldwide. With QIA being a majorshareholder in Iberdrola, we would like to welcome their InnovationMiddle East technology hub here in Qatar and on the QSTP premises. Weare looking forward to more partnerships through the different companiesthat we are major investors in.”During his speech, Iberdrolachairman Ignacio Galan said: “As part of Iberdrola’s commitment withQatar, I’m pleased to inaugurate Iberdrola Innovation Middle East which,in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives, is meant to become atechnology benchmark for the energy industry through an open innovationprogram in partnership with our associates and universities. It willoffer energy services to improve productivity and the efficiency ofcustomers and consumers, and technical training focused on smart grids.”Theexecutive vice-president of Qatar Foundation Research &Development, Dr Hamad al-Ibrahim, noted: “We look forward to seeinggreat things emerge from this centre and hope it will be a catalyst formore technology companies to join us in accelerating the development oftheir products, and in helping make Qatar a global hub of research,development and tech innovation.” Iberdrola QSTP managing directorSantiago Banales presented on the innovation and technology consultancyprojects being implemented in Qatar and the Middle East, together with aguided tour of the training facilities and smart grid lab.The eventwas also attended by HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud al-Thani, Governor ofQatar Central Bank; HE Ahmad bin Mohamed al-Sayed, chairman of the FreeZones Authority; Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari, president of Kahramaa; andIgnacio Escobar, Spanish ambassador to Qatar.The event includedthree technical workshops co-ordinated by the team of Iberdrola andseveral universities, institutions and companies partnering in thedifferent innovation projects. The workshop tackled the latest technicaldevelopments and challenges in the fields of renewable energy, smartnetworks and ways to enhance energy efficiency.Being fully alignedwith Qatar’s innovation strategy, Iberdrola and its technology partnersare committed to making an outstanding contribution towards fulfillingQatar National Vision 2030 objectives, which guide the economic, social,human and environmental development of the country, the statement adds.Inaddition to its important role as a base for research, IberdrolaInnovation Middle East is tasked with serving as the central point ofIberdrola group’s activities in the Middle East.