Digitalization & Smart Grids: AI, IoT & Blockchain in Solar Asset Management

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Time
1:15pm–2:45pm
Hall
Dubai World Trade Centre
Room
Conference Area: Pavilion Hall; Booth #: P.G40

Discover how advanced digital technologies are transforming solar operations. This session explores AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled monitoring, and blockchain-based transparency to optimize performance, streamline maintenance, and enhance profitability. Learn how smart grids and data intelligence are shaping the next generation of efficient, resilient solar energy systems.

1:15pm–1:20pmWelcome and Introduction

Sangeetha Suresh

Partner (Dubai)

EUPD Research Sustainable Management GmbH

1:20pm–1:40pmAccelerating Rooftop Solar Adoption in India with Geospatial Intelligence

Shantanu Roy

Sector Coordinator, Renewables and Energy Conservation

Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)

1:40pm–2:00pmAI-Powered Design Tools for Optimizing Solar PV Systems

Khaled Alazbe

International Youth Delegate

IRENA

2:00pm–2:20pmThe Shift from IGBT to SiC MOSFET Based Inverters: Grid-forming Storage and Delivering Stability Services as Power Systems Change

Zaid Adwan

Application Engineer

SMA

2:20pm–2:45pmFurther Speakers to be Announced

Speakers
Speaker
Zaid Adwan, SMA

Application Engineer

Germany

Zaid is an Application Engineer at SMA Solar Technology in Dubai, supporting utility-scale PV + BESS projects across the MENA region and acting as a technical focal point for customers andinternal teams. His work is focused on inverter-based resources, including the practical application and behavior of grid-following and grid-forming inverters in real power systems. Before joining SMA, Zaid worked as an O&M Engineer at MASE, where he gained hands-on experience in utility-scale PV plant operation, performance analysis, and repowering support, including exposure to grid-support equipment such as STATCOMs. Zaid holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Power and Energy Engineering from Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT). Alongside his engineering work, he is also interested in data-driven approachesto power systems and energy storage, particularly where analytics and ML can improve reliability, performance, and decision-making in inverter-dominated grids.  

Speaker
Sangeetha Suresh, EUPD Research Sustainable Management GmbH

Partner (Dubai)

Germany

Sangeetha has worked in the energy transition and sustainability space for over 14 years. At EUPD, she tracks market developments closely - from policy and regulatory change to key players, equipment providers and emerging business models. She identifies client's requirements and curates market intelligence products, marketing campaigns, events or bespoke consulting projects to meet them.

Speaker
Khaled Alazbe, IRENA

International Youth Delegate

UAE

Khaled Alazbe is a sustainability and renewable energy professional with a strong background in engineering, public policy, and clean-tech entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering and a Master of Public Administration (Public Policy) from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government. Khaled has contributed to national-level initiatives across the UAE and GCC, including energy and water efficiency policies for government entities, youth capacity-building programs, and cleantech awareness platforms. He has worked with public and private stakeholders on renewable energy, wastewater treatment, green hydrogen, and demand-side management projects. Khaled is the founder of RECAMP.AI, an innovative startup focused on replacing polluting portable generators used in outdoor activities with modular renewable energy solutions. He is also actively engaged in global youth climate and energy networks, advocating for inclusive green growth, youth leadership, and practical climate solutions.

Speaker
Shantanu Roy, Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)

Sector Coordinator, Renewables and Energy Conservation

India

Shantanu Roy is the Sector Coordinator for Renewables and Energy Conservation at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), a leading technology and policy think tank based in Bengaluru, India. With over 17 years of experience across renewable energy, thermal power, and oil & gas, he has led multidisciplinary teams and managed complex projects that drive sustainable energy solutions. At CSTEP, he advances initiatives in rooftop solar, Building-Integrated PV (BIPV), Agrivoltaics and other innovative renewable energy applications, working closely with government bodies and industry stakeholders to design strategies aligned with India's clean energy targets.

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