Smart Grids Technologies Conference

Under the patronage of the H. E. Dr. Khalid Al Fadel, Minister of Oil And Minister of Electricity and Water, the EU-GCC Clean Energy Technology Network and the Kuwait Society of Engineers are organising an EU-GCC conference on Smart Grids Technologies. The event will take place on 30-31 October 2019 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Kuwait City, Kuwait. 

The two-day conference will bring together policy makers, project developers, financial institution, technology leaders, industry advisories, financial experts, government representatives, and entrepreneurs from the EU, Kuwait and the wider GCC region, to debate on the key challenges and opportunities in smart grids sector, including policies & regulations, technologies and business models. 

Conference background information

The basic structure of the electric power grid has remained unchanged for more than hundred years.

• The methods of power delivery to consumers are outdated and inefficient.
• The electric grid in its current state is falling behind the 21st century technological advancements and energy demands.
• Current trends in energy supply and use are unsustainable - economically, environmentally and socially.
• In some cases, existing power generation infrastructure is not able to keep pace with growing power demand.

To ensure dependable and sustainable supply of electricity, a modern smarter power grid is necessary. Smart grids are energy networks that can automatically monitor energy flows and adjust to changes in energy supply and demand accordingly. When coupled with smart metering systems, smart grids reach consumers and suppliers by providing information on real-time consumption. This ensures effective control of electric supply and demand using information technology, increases efficiency and enables the use of eco-friendly power generation and storage.

Smart grids enable new sources of energy (mainly renewable energy) and new forms of demand management. Smart grid technologies can help keep the lights on at minimum cost to consumers, while creating jobs and enhancing growth. They can support a low carbon transition and create opportunities for consumers to play an active role in the energy system alongside generators, suppliers and network companies.

Furthermore, implementation of smart grid technologies can be a tool to develop greener and more digital power.

Kuwait and EU experts discussing on smart grids - Recommendations of the Smart Grids Conference