KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) is hosting a webinar on grid-scale energy storage. The talk will cover the evolution of grid-scale energy storage over the past 15 years, highlighting major drivers in KSA and internationally. Dr. Marek Kubik, Director of BESS at NEOM, will be the speaker. Why it matters: This event signals the growing importance of energy storage solutions in Saudi Arabia's renewable energy strategy, particularly within ambitious projects like NEOM.
MBZUAI researchers are using federated learning to optimize energy production and use in microgrids, balancing individual and grid-level needs with a focus on sustainability. They presented a multi-agent framework called MAHTM at the ICLR 2023 workshop, aiming to minimize the carbon footprint of electrical grids. The system uses three layers of decision-making agents to minimize cost, decrease carbon impact, and balance production. Why it matters: This research offers a novel approach to integrating renewable energy sources into existing grids, potentially accelerating the transition to more sustainable energy systems in the region and globally.
To meet Net Zero Emissions goals, governments and corporations need to drive a wholesale energy transition. Current energy grids are outdated and need to be updated to handle renewable energy's specific demands. Research at MBZUAI is helping to create smarter grids by using AI to monitor and measure energy flow in real-time. Why it matters: AI-empowered smart grids can help accelerate the energy transition by enabling more efficient and reliable use of renewable energy sources.
Khaled Alrashed, president and CEO of Saudi Electricity Company for Projects Development, discussed the challenges of future smart cities at a KAUST event. He emphasized the importance of smart grids, AI, and large-scale optimization for improving urban living. The Saudi Electricity Company is partnering with KAUST, including using the Shaheen supercomputer, to develop these technologies and predict grid load. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leader in smart city technology and renewable energy, leveraging local expertise and resources.
KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) are collaborating to develop low-cost sodium-ion battery technology using fly ash, a waste material from burning fossil fuels. Researchers are purifying fly ash and using thermal treatment to engineer its structure for use as carbon electrodes in batteries. The resulting carbon electrode material is competitive with existing market products and can be used for other applications. Why it matters: This research offers a sustainable approach to energy storage by repurposing waste materials, potentially enabling cheaper and more environmentally friendly grid-scale energy storage for renewable energy sources.