Mission Description
- Real-World Problem: As nations modernize, energy demand is skyrocketing – data centers, electric vehicles, and air conditioning in Gulf summers all strain the grid. At the same time, UAE and Qatar have pledged sustainability (UAE Net Zero 2050, Qatar National Vision 2030’s environmental pillar), which means integrating renewable energy and using power more efficiently. Qatar is rapidly expanding solar power – the new Dukhan solar plant (2,000 MW) will double its solar capacity by 2030 – and building smart cities like Msheireb Downtown, which uses IoT energy management to cut energy use by 30% . The UAE invested heavily in a smart grid: Dubai’s DEWA put $7 billion into a grid with IoT and AI, achieving record- low power outages (just over 1 minute per customer per year) . The challenge is optimizing energy use in real time: how to store solar energy for night, shave peak demand, prevent blackouts, and reduce wastage in buildings. Essentially, how do we make the electricity grid smarter and greener?
- Mission Task: Create a smart energy management solution for a community or campus. One approach is to develop a prototype of a smart grid controller: for example, a system that takes input from solar panels, battery storage, and appliances, and uses AI to distribute power efficiently. Students could simulate a neighborhood with a few model houses (each with lights, maybe a small solar panel or a battery LED setup) and then write code so that when solar output is high, batteries charge, and when demand is high, non- essential loads are turned off. Alternatively, a team could focus on building energy efficiency – e.g. an AI that reads data from temperature, light, and occupancy sensors in a smart home to adjust HVAC and lighting, saving energy. A simpler variant is an app that encourages users to save energy with real-time feedback and suggestions (leveraging smart meter data).
- Key Skills: IoT (sensors, smart plugs, Arduino/Raspberry Pi for control), programming (for AI algorithms or automation logic), knowledge of renewable energy and storage concepts, data analysis (handling energy usage data), and possibly UI design (if an app or dashboard for visualization is included).
- Expected Impact: The solution will demonstrate how to reduce energy consumption and maximize use of renewables. For instance, an AI-driven system might lower a building’s power usage by 20% during peak hours by dimming lights and tweaking AC, or ensure solar energy isn’t wasted by storing it and shifting loads to sunny periods. At scale, such innovations mean lower electricity bills, less reliance on fossil fuels, and more stability in the grid. This mission supports national sustainability agendas – it echoes the UAE’s drive for smart, resilient cities running on clean energy and Qatar’s push to balance economic growth with environmental preservation through tech . By managing energy wisely, students contribute to the climate action goals of their countries, helping cut carbon emissions and proving that the future can be both digital and green.
Student Goal
Create a smart energy management solution for a community or campus. One approach is to develop a prototype of a smart grid controller: for example, a system that takes input from solar
panels, battery storage, and appliances, and uses AI to distribute power efficiently. Students could
simulate a neighborhood with a few model houses (each with lights, maybe a small solar panel or a
battery LED setup) and then write code so that when solar output is high, batteries charge, and when
demand is high, non- essential loads are turned off. Alternatively, a team could focus on building
energy efficiency – e.g. an AI that reads data from temperature, light, and occupancy sensors in a
smart home to adjust HVAC and lighting, saving energy. A simpler variant is an app that encourages
users to save energy with real-time feedback and suggestions (leveraging smart meter data).
Mission Information
Status
Open
Deadline
December 31, 2025
Category
Corporate
Grade
—
Rewards
Recognition, Internships, Prizes
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