Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, officially inaugurated the 12th Saudi Smart Grid Conference on Monday, alongside its accompanying exhibition. The conference, themed “Energy and Sustainability,” focuses on pivotal topics such as renewable energy integration, grid design standards, energy efficiency solutions, and innovations in energy storage technology.
In his opening speech, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the critical role of smart grid technologies in supporting global and national energy transitions. He outlined how these technologies integrate smart meters, automation, and communication systems to improve electricity production, transmission, distribution, and consumption.
The Minister highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress toward Vision 2030, underscoring the ongoing digital transformation within the Kingdom’s energy sector. Since 2021, more than 11 million smart meters have been installed across the country, enabling consumers to track their electricity usage in real time and make informed decisions about energy conservation.
Prince Abdulaziz also addressed the Ministry of Energy’s goal to automate 40% of the distribution networks by 2025, with 32% of that target already achieved. The development of nine advanced control centers, expected to be operational by 2026, will further improve real-time network monitoring.
On the renewable energy front, the Minister discussed the challenges posed by the variable nature of renewable sources, particularly affected by weather conditions. Efforts are underway to develop battery storage systems with a storage capacity of 26 GWh, with a target of reaching 48 GWh by 2030.
Regarding the national grid, the largest in the Middle East and Africa, Prince Abdulaziz noted that expansion efforts are ongoing to develop flexible transmission system technologies aimed at improving energy exchange and reducing losses. Four regional control centers and one national center have been established to enhance grid security and operational flexibility.
During the event, several energy-related agreements were signed, and winners of the Energy Hackathon, which saw over 60 participants showcase innovative solutions in energy storage, efficiency, and sustainability, were honored.
The three-day conference will feature over 40 scientific papers and will highlight opportunities for private-sector participation in advancing smart grid technologies and sustainable energy solutions.
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