Saudi Smart Grid Conference 2025 Opens In Riyadh To Discuss Innovations For A Sustainable Future

The 13th Saudi Smart Grid Conference (SASG 2025) commenced in Riyadh, under the Ministry of Energy's patronage. The event, themed "Innovation Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow," spans three days and gathers experts from 25 countries. It features 28 panel discussions and technical sessions, showcasing 225 scientific papers on global smart grid advancements.

Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, Eng. Nasser Al-Qahtani, praised the Kingdom's leadership for its ongoing support to the energy sector. He acknowledged the Minister of Energy’s role in sponsoring the conference, emphasizing its significance in promoting dialogue on smart grid technologies. "Smart grid technologies are a cornerstone of the global energy transition," Al-Qahtani stated.

Al-Qahtani explained that aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Energy is focusing on long-term planning to optimize energy resource use. This strategy aims to enhance grid security and resilience while improving generation efficiency. These initiatives position Saudi Arabia as a leader in electricity interconnection and renewable power exports.

The Kingdom's electricity sector has seen substantial changes recently, including significant upgrades to grid infrastructure. These improvements aim to better integrate renewable energy and energy-storage systems. "Smart grids are a fundamental component of electricity sector development," Al-Qahtani noted.

By the end of 2025, distribution network automation in Saudi Arabia reached about 40%, aligning with international best practices for return on investment. Al-Qahtani highlighted renewable power projects totaling nearly 64 gigawatts, with 12.3 gigawatts already connected to the national grid.

Battery energy-storage systems are also advancing, with a total capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours under development; 8 gigawatt-hours are already grid-connected. These projects help balance supply-demand fluctuations due to renewable energy's variable nature.

Conference Highlights and Global Collaboration

The conference serves as a platform for sharing expertise and forming partnerships in smart grids and the digital economy. It brings together international experts, decision-makers, researchers, and specialists to discuss challenges and opportunities in the power sector.

Key topics include renewable energy integration, electricity storage solutions, smart load-management systems, and cybersecurity's role in protecting energy infrastructure. The event emphasizes technology localisation, capacity building, and technical partnerships to bolster smart infrastructure.

The opening ceremony featured recognition of Energy Hackathon winners, agreement exchanges, and an exhibition inauguration. Discussions focus on strengthening a sustainable, investment-friendly energy ecosystem that fosters innovation.

With inputs from SPA