QRDI Council and Kahramaa sign MoU to support sustainability in Qatar

* Partnership aims to boost capabilities to co-develop innovative solutions for water and energy sector

The Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost the country’s sustainability efforts by developing innovative solutions.The MoU, signed by QRDI Council secretary-general Omar Ali al-Ansari and Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari, allows the two parties to leverage advanced technology and innovative processes to sustain Qatar’s water and energy resources.Innovation opportunities related to water, energy, and public services will be articulated while private-sector entities will be invited to co-develop new and emerging technologies through collaboration with Kahramaa and QRDI Council.In a press statement, al-Ansari said: “This partnership falls directly in line with the Council’s work to enhance the innovation ecosystem in Qatar where the Council collaborates and cooperates with key entities to become platforms that generate opportunities for the next wave of private sector-driven innovation.“Energy and resources sustainability are among the most important national priorities outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Second National Development Strategy and the national RDI strategy, QRDI 2030, for which Qatar requires innovative, technological solutions. Under this MoU, we will co-operate with Kahramaa to create opportunities for local and international talent to support Qatar’s sustainability agenda through innovation.”For his part, al-Kuwari said: “Promoting energy efficiency, Kahramaa has adopted excellence as its slogan. We believe human capital is key to business excellence, and therefore invest heavily in our people – developing their capabilities and providing the necessary training to harness their potential.“Through improving performance, assets, systems, and procedures, we aim to set global standards for technical innovation, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the electricity and water sector.“Creativity and innovation are fundamental to our development, and through initiatives such as our incubator programme, we ensure we promote these values. We are pleased to co-operate with QRDI Council, and look forward to witnessing the results of using advanced knowledge and technology to develop and pilot innovative solutions at our facilities that improve electricity and water services provided to Qatar.”As part of the agreement, the two parties will drive partnerships and improve collaboration across Kahramaa, innovation-driven local businesses, and research centres in Qatar.QRDI Council and Kahramaa will also agree on mechanisms that can support the piloting and testing of concepts, prototypes, and innovative solutions that meet Kahramaa’s needs and that can facilitate the early adoption of new products and solutions, all of which ultimately aim to improve public services for the community. These activities will also help create new job opportunities for Qatar’s innovation talent.