GCC Interconnection Authority Hosts GO15 Annual Meeting in Dammam

The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) hosted the annual meeting of GO15, a global organization that covers nearly 80% of global electricity demand and around 21% of global production. Senior electricity grid operators from around the world attended the meeting at the Dammam Conference Center, which was organized in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), GO15, and Med-TSO as part of the international forum 'Advancing the Future of Energy Towards Net Zero.' The meeting, which was inaugurated by Eastern Region Governor Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, discussed the future of the energy sector and the unified efforts required to meet net-zero targets through technological advancements, market development, regional interconnections, and strategies for enhancing energy security, improving grid resilience, and accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources. GCC Interconnection Authority Chief Executive Ahmed Al-Ebrahim emphasized the import ance of the meeting in addressing global energy challenges as well as the shared responsibility of ensuring energy security and grid resilience to support social and economic growth in the region and beyond. He underscored the importance of the meeting's outcomes in enhancing the reliability and resilience of interconnected power networks. He explained that the discussions at the meeting focused on strengthening renewable energy integration, accelerating digital transformation, and adopting innovative solutions to address urgent energy transition challenges safely and affordably. Al-Ebrahim also noted that through cooperation and knowledge-sharing, members aim to build a future-ready network, improve energy reliability, develop renewable energy integration, and support energy transition and digital initiatives, ensuring the highest levels of energy security and reliability worldwide. The meeting agenda included a review of the GO15 strategic working group's outcomes and recommendations, covering real-time grid operations, stability, recovery capabilities, and infrastructure resilience. Participants highlighted key trends in energy storage systems (ESS/BESS) and explored initiatives to expedite permit procedures. GO15 will continue to advocate for enhanced international collaboration among its members. Source: Saudi Press Agency