HBKU will collaborate with Iberdrola Innovation ME in the research and development of the smart grid

Collaboration agreement

Smart grids are considered a "technological leap" to advance new models of electricity consumption and decarbonization.

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With the aim of advancing high-impact innovation in sustainable energy, the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will collaborate with Iberdrola Innovation ME in research and development in the area of ​​cybersecurity for the smart grid. Under a new collaboration agreement, HBKU e Iberdrola Innovation ME They will work to improve the technology used in field deployments of smart grids in the region. Leveraging respective expertise in cybersecurity and innovative energy solutions, joint efforts will encompass research studies, intellectual property and commercial collaboration in smart grid telecommunications and security mechanisms.

 

Smart grids are considered a "technological leap" for advancing new models of electricity consumption and decarbonization. With the ability to operate on energy from renewable resources and incorporate digital technology, the enormous volumes of data generated by smart grids require effective security solutions.

 

La HBKU, through its College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and Iberdrola Innovation ME They will make their faculty, staff and resources available to the university for a research project focused on security techniques for power line communications. He Dr. Roberto Di Pietro, professor of cybersecurity at the CSE, will bring his expertise to the joint team of research scientists and smart grid engineers. Expected outcomes include peer-reviewed scientific publications, jointly owned patent applications and, ideally, subsequent commercialization.

 

El Dr Mounir Hamdi, founding dean of the CSE, the Dr. Richard O'Kennedy, Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) at Qatar Foundation (QF) and Vice President of Research at HBKU, together with senior officials from the Industrial Development and Knowledge Transfer Office (IDTK), which is part of QF RDI , attended the official signing ceremony with Santiago Bañales López, General Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, Javier Hernandez Fernandez, Technical Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, and other officials.

 

Agreement advances high-impact innovation to address energy and environmental challenges

 

In relation to this collaboration, the Dr. Mounir Hamdi, The dean of the HBKU's CSE stated, "This new agreement builds on our long-standing relationship with Iberdrola, focused on knowledge-driven innovation. We anticipate that this cooperation will actively contribute to Qatar's energy transformation with a very positive impact on smart and sustainable city initiatives."

 

In 2016, Iberdrola Innovation ME was created at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), where the CIberdrola Technological Center carries out cutting-edge projects in smart grids, renewable integration and energy management. In October 2021, the Iberdrola Group created the Global Smart Grid Hub in Bilbao, a global center for innovation in smart grids, which combines its technological capacity with that of experts from around the world.

 
Santiago Bañales LópezThe Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East QSTP said: “Our agreement with HBKU reflects our commitment to Qatar’s research, development, and innovation system and to advancing knowledge in specific areas of science and energy. Our collaboration will ensure that our joint efforts are at the forefront of addressing Qatar’s energy and environmental challenges, advancing solutions for its smart grid capabilities.”