Riyadh, December 17, 2024 – The 12th Saudi Smart Grid Conference and its accompanying exhibition were officially inaugurated in Riyadh on Monday by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy. Held under the theme “Energy and Sustainability,” this prestigious event brings together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to address pressing issues in the energy sector, with a strong focus on renewable energy integration, grid innovations, and energy efficiency.
In his opening speech, Minister Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the transformative potential of smart grid technologies in supporting the global transition to sustainable energy, with particular reference to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030. The Prince highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to optimize the entire electricity system—spanning production, transmission, distribution, and consumption—through the integration of smart metering, automation, and communication technologies. These innovations not only promise enhanced efficiency but also empower consumers to monitor and manage their electricity usage in real time, an advancement that has already seen 11 million smart meters installed across the Kingdom since 2021.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation efforts, the Ministry of Energy has set ambitious targets for the automation of the national energy grid. By the end of 2025, 40% of the country’s electricity distribution networks will be automated, a target that has already seen 32% completion. The Ministry is also developing nine advanced control centers, slated for operation by 2026. These centers will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, enabling precise, real-time monitoring of network operations, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the national grid, the largest in the Middle East and Africa.
The Minister also addressed the ongoing challenges and opportunities presented by renewable energy sources, noting their inherent variability due to weather conditions. To counteract this challenge, Saudi Arabia is focused on advancing battery storage systems, with 26 GWh of capacity planned by 2026 and a target of 48 GWh by 2030. Additionally, the expansion of transmission and distribution networks continues, incorporating flexible transmission system technologies to enhance energy exchange, reduce losses, and improve grid stability.
The conference also served as a platform for collaboration and partnerships, as Prince Abdulaziz witnessed the signing of several energy-related agreements aimed at promoting innovation and boosting the Kingdom's energy infrastructure. The event also featured the Energy Hackathon, where more than 60 participants presented groundbreaking solutions in energy storage, efficiency, and sustainability, with winners honored for their contributions to advancing energy innovation.
Spanning three days, the conference will feature over 40 scientific papers that explore the latest innovations and sustainable solutions in the smart grid sector. These discussions aim to foster opportunities for private-sector involvement and future growth in the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance energy security, promote sustainability, and drive economic diversification through technological innovation in the energy sector.
