Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently organized an ‘Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development’ workshop to determine the requirements of national stakeholders that will assist in customizing the energy efficiency and sustainable development research carried out at QEERI’s Energy Center.

Key stakeholders were present, including representatives from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), Kahramaa, Ashghal, Qatar Cool, Qatar Green Building Council, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, Baladna, Gas Exporting Countries Forum and Al Emadi Solar.

Energy-efficiency and sustainability were the main themes of the discussions, including operation excellence in oil and gas processes; urbanization and the built environment; transportation systems; integrated energy system and cooling; and food-water-energy sustainability.

Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, assistant undersecretary and director, Environmental and Municipal Studies Institute at the MME, highlighted the importance of the workshop in building a platform to bring together the various stakeholders from the energy sector. He said: “It has been extremely productive to have everyone in the same room, working on the same concerns, and learning how they can contribute towards achieving solutions that will benefit Qatar. We all have to bring our own particular expertise and commitment, and work collaboratively to be the most impactful.”

The information gathered during the workshop will be utilized by QEERI to ensure that its research work on energy, water, and environmental challenges, carried out in close collaboration with its national stakeholders, has a direct and positive impact in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Commenting on the workshop, Dr. Veronica Bermudez, senior research director at QEERI’s Energy Center, said: “Our institute is currently undergoing a transformation towards a more market-driven approach to research. We aim to merge research and market needs by building new programs to cover the whole RDI value chain. It is extremely important for us to work closely with our partners in Qatar to ensure that all our resources are being used in the best manner to achieve our shared objectives.”

Dr Richard O'Kennedy, Qatar Foundation Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation and Vice President for Research at HBKU added: “At its core, the purpose of all research conducted across QF is towards addressing critical national priorities, as well as accelerating economic development and diversification. In this regard, it is imperative for us and for the stakeholders with whom we work closely, to develop a strong mutual understanding of the needs, to efficiently leverage our joint capabilities, and to develop and deliver innovative and impactful solutions. It is through focused initiatives like this workshop organized by QEERI, that we are building a highly collaborative ecosystem for research, development and innovation.”

QEERI’s Energy Center focuses on research across several programs, including Catalysis and Process Technology; Energy Management; Energy Storage; Energy Efficiency; Energy Conversation; and Disruptive Technologies.

The institute is involved in research, development, and innovation aimed at addressing Qatar’s challenges and priorities through its energy, water, environment and sustainability, and computational materials and processes centers.