First Regional Study Tour united key stakeholders from all five MENALINKS countries

Exploring smart grid fundamentals

The MENALINKS capacity-building session held at Green Energy Park in Ben Guerir brought together energy experts from across the MENA region for a full day of learning, exchange, and hands-on exploration of smart grid technologies. The session began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Christian Nabe, MENALINKS Director and Associate Director at Guidehouse, who set the stage by underscoring the transformative role of smart grids in achieving decarbonized, resilient energy systems. Following this, Dr. Zoheir Hamedi, Executive Director of the  Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) highlighted the strategic importance of capacity building and cross-border knowledge exchange.

Building on these opening remarks, the morning session continued with a deep dive into the fundamentals of smart grids—what they are, why they matter, and how they’re reshaping energy systems worldwide. Participants explored how digital technologies, real-time data, and decentralization are enabling more resilient, efficient, and low-carbon electricity networks. The session set the stage for understanding smart grids not just as technical upgrades, but as strategic tools for the energy transition.

Regional perspectives and progress

In a following session, delegation representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Türkiyeshared snapshots of their national smart grid journeys. From Morocco’s integration of green hydrogen and advanced metering, to Jordan’s near-complete smart meter rollout, each country highlighted its unique approach to modernizing grid infrastructure. Egypt showcased its ambitious decarbonization targets and control center upgrades, Türkiye emphasized cybersecurity and flexibility markets, and Tunisia presented its roadmap for predictive maintenance and renewable integration.

Flexibility as a game-changer

A dedicated technical session zoomed in on flexibility—arguably the most critical enabler of smart grid success. Participants explored how distributed energy resources like EVs, rooftop solar, and batteries can support grid stability, provided the right regulatory frameworks and digital infrastructure are in place. Comparative insights from Europe, the US, and the MENA region illustrated how dynamic pricing, open data access, and interoperability are unlocking new possibilities for consumer participation and system efficiency.

From research to real-world application

In the afternoon, the spotlight turned to Green Energy Park’s research ecosystem. Presentations showcased how the Park is translating innovation into impact—developing AI-powered microgrid solutions, testing smart charging strategies, and simulating grid behavior in real time. The Park’s multidisciplinary labs are not only advancing technical excellence but also tailoring solutions to local and regional needs.

The day concluded with a guided tour of the Smart Grid Facilities, where participants saw theory in action. From SCADA systems and predictive maintenance dashboards to hardware-in-the-loop testing setups, the visit offered a hands-on look at how smart grid technologies are being deployed and validated on-site. Green Energy Park stands out as a living lab—bridging research and implementation to accelerate the energy transition across Africa and beyond.

This session marked a significant step in building shared understanding and technical capacity around smart grid technologies in the MENA region. Through a mix of expert insights, national showcases, and hands-on learning, participants deepened their knowledge of digital grid solutions and explored practical applications tailored to local contexts. Looking ahead, MENALINKS will continue to support regional capacity-building efforts—offering training, technical exchanges, and collaborative learning formats that empower stakeholders to lead the energy transition with confidence and competence.