Doha: The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East have unveiled a joint report titled ‘Digital Innovation for a Sustainable Future,’ which examines the transformative role of digital technologies in fostering energy efficiency, sustainability, and economic diversification. The report delves into key global trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart grids, cloud computing, and clean technology, and highlights their potential to accelerate Qatar’s digital transformation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the release of this report is a testament to the ongoing strategic partnership between Invest Qatar and Iberdrola, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2022. This agreement facilitated Iberdrola’s expansion of its innovation center dedicated to advancing AI applications in the energy sector both in Qatar and globally.
The partnership has allowed the Spanish group to enhance its Research, Development, and Innovation activities through the Doha-based Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, located in Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). The center focuses on developing AI-based solutions that support the transition to an electrified energy system, promote the integration of renewable energy, improve the operations of digital electrical networks, and enable customer participation in the energy transition through data-driven decision-making models.
The report underscores the transformative impact of emerging technologies, particularly AI, which is expected to generate substantial economic value annually by revolutionizing industries such as energy, logistics, and manufacturing. The expansion of private 5G networks and hyperscale data centers is enhancing business competitiveness, with 5G technology projected to contribute significantly to the global economy by 2030.
Advancements in technology are reshaping energy efficiency, as smart grids, IoT, and AI bolster the resilience and sustainability of power systems. A shift toward clean technology will necessitate a considerable workforce transformation, with an estimated 200 million skilled workers required globally by 2050 to support sustainable energy solutions.
CEO of Invest Qatar, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, remarked on Qatar’s balanced approach to digital innovation, aligning it with sustainability goals and creating opportunities for investors committed to sustainable growth. Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, Santiago Banales, noted that AI is reshaping the energy landscape, and emphasized the need to meet growing energy demands with clean sources.
Banales further highlighted that Iberdrola Innovation Middle East is developing AI-based solutions aimed at sustainable energy management and innovation, reflecting a shared commitment with Invest Qatar to support Qatar’s transition to a diversified, knowledge-based economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Invest Qatar is tasked with overseeing activities to attract foreign direct investment to Qatar, while Iberdrola leads in renewables, driving the energy transition to a low-carbon economy. Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, located in Qatar Science and Technology Park, focuses on defining ‘the digital utility’ and developing solutions for renewable energy integration and smart grids.