April 22, 2026 – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) held an awareness lecture as part of its “Visitor of the Month” program, implemented by the Knowledge Management and Innovation Department, titled “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Energy Sector.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Ahmad Al-Shawawrah from the German Jordanian University.

The lecture addressed the fundamental transformation in energy systems toward more flexible models that rely on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, alongside the expansion of renewable energy and storage technologies. It also highlighted the resulting challenges and opportunities at both planning and operational levels.

Dr. Al-Shawawrah discussed the growing role of data centers as one of the most prominent future drivers of energy demand, emphasizing the importance of managing them efficiently and integrating them with smart grids to ensure the sustainability of the electricity system.

He also reviewed the increasing role of startups in developing innovative solutions in the energy sector, such as demand management, improving energy efficiency, and smart grid applications. He noted that the sector is undergoing transformations that open broad prospects for investment and growth, particularly with the emergence of modern business models such as Energy as a Service (EaaS) and virtual power plants.

The lecture further highlighted the pivotal role of regulatory bodies in fostering an enabling entrepreneurial environment by developing flexible legislative frameworks and adopting modern regulatory tools such as regulatory sandboxes, which allow innovative solutions to be tested in a safe environment before wider implementation. It also emphasized the importance of encouraging public-private partnerships and facilitating market access.

Dr. Al-Shawawrah stressed that the success of entrepreneurship in the energy sector depends not only on technological innovation, but also on the integration of regulatory policies, infrastructure, and data availability to ensure the transformation of ideas into viable projects with sustainable economic impact.

The lecture concluded by emphasizing the importance of adopting a strategic approach that enhances grid flexibility, digital transformation, and private sector empowerment as key pillars for supporting innovation and achieving energy security and sustainability in the Kingdom.