Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is collaborating with Spain’s Iberdrola energy utility on improving cybersecurity for smart grids.

Under the agreement, HBKU and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East will work to enhance the technology being used in smart grid field deployments in the region. Leveraging respective expertise in cybersecurity and energy solutions, the joint efforts will include research studies, intellectual property, and commercial collaboration on smart grid telecommunications and security mechanisms. 

HBKU, through its College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and Iberdrola Innovation ME will both provide faculty, staff, and resources for a research project focused on security techniques for power line communications. Dr Roberto Di Pietro, Professor of Cybersecurity at CSE, will provide leadership to the joint project team of research scientists and smart grid engineers. Expected outcomes include peer reviewed scientific publications, jointly owned patent applications and, ideally, subsequent commercialisation.

Speaking about the collaboration, CSE Founding Dean Dr Mounir Hamdi said: “This new agreement is based on our long-standing relationship with Iberdrola, which is focused on knowledge-driven innovation. We foresee this cooperation actively contributing to Qatar’s energy transformation with a very positive impact on smart, sustainable cities initiatives.” 

Iberdrola Innovation ME was established at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in 2016, where the Iberdrola Technology Centre undertakes projects in smart grids, renewable integration, and energy management. In October 2021, the Spain-based Iberdrola Group created the Global Smart Grid Hub, a global centre for innovation in smart grids, which combines its technological capacity with that of experts around the world.

Santiago Bañales Lopez, Managing Director, Iberdrola Innovation Middle East QSTP, said: “Our agreement with HBKU reflects our commitment to Qatar’s research, development, and innovation system and boosting knowledge in specific areas of science and energy. Our collaboration will ensure that our joint efforts are at the forefront of solving Qatar’s energy and environmental challenges by advancing solutions for its smart grid capabilities.”