Recommendations GCC POWER 2025

GCC POWER 2025

CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

 10^th – 12^th November 2025

Technical Highlights and Recommendations

1. Clean Energy Transition

The GCC countries have huge plans to develop renewable generation, which require flexible resources to mitigate REN intermittency and variability. It is recommended to consider adopting a regional GCC roadmap for the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and hybrid storage technologies to enhance flexibility, support frequency stability, and increase system restoration capabilities across the GCC interconnected grids.

2. Regional Interconnection and Power Market Integration

The GCC Interconnection has become a cornerstone of GCC power grids energy security and resource adequacy and optimization. It is recommended to establish a unified GCC electricity market framework that co-optimizes reliability, cost, carbon, and flexibility objectives, integrating ancillary services, inertia support, and voltage support into market operations.

3. Grid Modernization: Digitalization and Automation

Digital transformation is reshaping the operation and protection of power systems. It is recommended to accelerate the deployment of digital substations, advanced protection and control systems, and AI-driven analytics to build a self-healing, cyber-resilient, and adaptive regional power network with a vision towards autonomous grids.

4. Predictive Asset Management

Asset health monitoring and data-driven maintenance are becoming central to reliability improvement. It is recommended to transition from time-based to condition-based maintenance by using IoT sensors, digital twins, and machine-learning analytics to forecast equipment failures, extend asset life, and reduce unplanned outages.

5. Cybersecurity and Interoperability in Digital Grids

The rapid adoption of digital systems increases exposure to cyber and interoperability risks. It is recommended to harmonize GCC utility standards for IEC 61850 implementation and substation engineering, ensuring cybersecurity-by-design compliance with IEC 62443 and NERC CIP frameworks.

6. Real-Time System Visibility and Coordination

Data integration and Real-Time system observability have become essential for secure grid operations. It is recommended to develop a GCC-wide synchro-phasor network and digital twin platform to enable real-time system monitoring, renewable energy forecasting, and coordinated disturbance management among the Interconnection Control Center and national control centers.

7. Sustainable and Low-Carbon Grid Development

Sustainability is becoming a core design criterion for modern power systems. It is recommended to introduce lifecycle-based projects policies favoring high-efficiency, low-emission equipment and establish regional recycling and reuse programs in line with the Circular Carbon Economy framework.

8. HVDC and FACTS

HVDC and FACTS technologies are becoming key to integrating renewables and improving transmission efficiency. It is recommended to accelerate modular HVDC and FACTS projects with standardized control interfaces, DC circuit breakers, and joint GCC training programs to support future HVDC grids and FACTS operations.

9. Smart Integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The growing adoption of electric mobility will reshape load profiles and grid operation dynamics across the region. It is recommended to develop a regional EV integration strategy incorporating smart charging infrastructure, grid-responsive demand management, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies. It is necessary to coordinate with regulators, automakers, and distribution operators to standardize charging systems, mitigate peak demand impacts, and harness EV fleets as distributed energy resources.

10. Piloting Renewable–Storage Microgrids

Microgrids offer scalable solutions for remote and high-demand areas. It is recommended to deploy pilot projects combining renewables, storage, and smart controls to demonstrate GCC-adapted technologies and enhance local grid flexibility and resilience.

11. Harmonizing Grid Codes and Technical Regulations

Aligning technical standards in GCC grids has become essential for seamless cross-border power exchange. It is recommended to update national grid codes to incorporate flexibility and compatibility provisions across the GCC while meeting decarbonization objectives, ensuring full interoperability across the regional interconnection.

12. Mobilizing Innovation and Investment for Decarbonization

Sustained research and pilot funding are critical to achieving a carbon-neutral energy system. It is recommended to consider creating a GCC Innovation and Decarbonization Fund to finance R&D, demonstration projects, and regional technology transfer in hydrogen-ready grids and digital power systems.

13. Establishing a Regional Cybersecurity and AI Governance Framework

Digital integration requires consistent oversight and risk mitigation mechanisms to protect Systems from Cyber threats. It is recommended that a GCC-wide Governance Framework be established to unify GCC cybersecurity policies, data governance, and AI ethics standards, thereby ensuring the development of secure and responsible digital infrastructure.

14. Developing Human Capital for the Digital and Low-Carbon Era

Sustained transformation in the Digital and Low-Carbon Era requires developing advanced technical and managerial capabilities. It is recommended to establish a GCC Center of Excellence under GCC CIGRE through collaboration with leading GCC academic and research institutes, as well as leading GCC utilities, to deliver specialized training and development programs in digital grid operation, cybersecurity, HVDC systems, and renewable integration technologies.