Lack of smart grid investment incentives & integration guidelines could derail net zero journeys, expert warns

Lack of smart grid investment incentives & integration guidelines could derail net zero journeys, expert warns

DUBAI, UAE – A lack of investment incentives and integration guidelines could derail the Middle East’s development of smart grid networks and the region’s net zero goals, according to an industry expert.

The warning has come from Carmel Lehmal, Head of Product Management at Greenwood Power, Austria’s leading innovator for non-conventional transformers ahead of her presentation at Middle East Energy - the region's most comprehensive energy event - which will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 7-9.

Ms Lehmal will address delegates at the event’s free-to-attend, CPD accredited Technical Seminars when she will probe the reality of the energy industry forecasts, which suggest the Middle East’s smart grid network market will grow 10.6% annually to 2027 to be worth US $5.39 billion as the region pursues net zero goals.

But Ms Lehmal says smart grid progress could be hampered even as regional energy demand increases and many Middle Eastern nations look to attain carbon neutrality target by 2050.

“The combination of set goals for energy transition to be adhered to deadlines for ‘net-zero’ and smart grid technologies give a positive mindset in the energy sector for the implementation. However, incentives for investments in the right direction are right now missing on