Webinar AI and Digital Solutions for Grid Operators
MENALINKS, in collaboration with UNEZA, hosted a webinar “AI and Digital Solutions for Grid Operators”, bringing together over 60 participants from utilities, regulators, and industry experts across the MENA region. The session focused on how artificial intelligence and digital tools can transform grid operations, improve flexibility, and accelerate the energy transition.
The webinar features three case studies from leading innovators:
Simon Koopman from Envelio presented the Intelligent Grid Platform: Automates planning and monitoring by centralizing grid data and applying AI for faster, more accurate network studies.
Tony Premi from Intertrust Technologies introduced Flexworks: An AI-powered tool for distributed energy resource valuation, enabling real-time program design and optimization.
Nalin Agarwal and Rishi Nair from the Climate Collective shared information on an open innovation platform connecting startups and utilities to co-create AI-driven solutions for energy challenges.
Key insights from the discussion:
AI is already delivering measurable benefits in forecasting, optimization, and predictive maintenance—but success depends on high-quality data and integration with legacy systems.
Pilot projects and sandbox environments are critical to de-risk innovation and build organizational buy-in.
Collaboration and trust among utilities, regulators, and technology providers are essential for scaling solutions.
Early stakeholder engagement and regulatory alignment pave the way for impactful deployments.
The event underscored growing interest in digital transformation across MENALINKS countries and opened new conversations.
This webinar is co-organized by MENALINKS and UNEZA:
UNEZA (Utilities for Net Zero Alliance) is a global utility platform launched at COP28 bringing together leading utilities and power companies to accelerate the energy transition through renewable-ready grids, clean energy solutions, and electrification. The Alliance is supported by IRENA.
MENALINKS is a programme under the International Climate Initiative (IKI). It supports the scaling up of renewable energy and sector coupling in the MENA region—specifically in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye. The program, led by Guidehouse and implemented with nine consortium partners, focuses on integrating renewables and enhancing power system flexibility through cooperation with ministries, utilities, and research institutions.