Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra Leads Discussion on Innovation Investment at Qatar Economic Forum
Avangrid, Inc., a prominent energy company and key member of the global Iberdrola Group, recently marked its active role in advancing global energy innovation by participating in the prestigious Qatar Economic Forum. Avangrid’s Chief Executive Officer, Pedro Azagra, took part in a high-profile roundtable discussion entitled The Next R&D Hub: Investing in Innovation’s Future, where industry leaders from around the world convened to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of research and development (R&D) in critical sectors, particularly energy.
Commitment to Innovation and Strategic Investment
In his remarks during the forum, CEO Pedro Azagra emphasized Avangrid’s strong commitment to fostering collaboration with both Qatari and international business leaders, to accelerate the development of cutting-edge energy technologies. “Avangrid and Iberdrola are deeply committed to working alongside global partners to push forward the frontiers of research and development,” Azagra said. He further underscored the urgency of innovation in the context of burgeoning energy demand and the need for resilient infrastructure. “As the world witnesses unprecedented growth in innovation, economic expansion, and energy requirements, it is imperative to invest robustly in energy infrastructure. Avangrid is proud to announce its plan to invest $20 billion in modernizing and expanding the U.S. electricity grid by 2030.”
This substantial investment reflects Avangrid’s strategic vision of a future-proofed, intelligent grid that can support a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable energy ecosystem in the United States. By integrating advanced technologies and pioneering approaches, Avangrid aims to meet both current and future energy challenges while contributing significantly to decarbonization and sustainability goals.
A Forum Focused on Shaping the Future of R&D
The Qatar Economic Forum roundtable was hosted by Omar Al-Ansari, Secretary General of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, which is a pivotal institution driving Qatar’s national innovation agenda. The event brought together an elite group of C-suite executives and thought leaders representing a diverse cross-section of industries including technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and energy.
With 15 delegates in attendance, the discussions delved into the key forces shaping global R&D strategies. Topics ranged from talent acquisition and development, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, geopolitical risks, and the evaluation of emerging market opportunities. The dialogue emphasized how companies and governments alike must adapt to an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global economy by fostering agile and forward-looking research and development practices.
Iberdrola: A Global Leader in Energy Innovation
Avangrid’s parent company, Iberdrola, stands out as a global powerhouse in utility innovation, holding the distinction as the world’s top private utility for R&D investment. Over the past five years, Iberdrola has committed more than €1.78 billion (approximately $1.9 billion) toward innovation efforts worldwide. In 2024 alone, the company is projected to invest €403 million ($430 million), underscoring its dedication to maintaining a leadership position in developing next-generation energy technologies.
Iberdrola’s innovation initiatives are supported by dedicated teams spread across its operational geographies, including the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and Qatar. This global footprint enables Iberdrola and Avangrid to leverage diverse insights, local expertise, and cutting-edge technological advancements in their innovation strategies.
Innovation Hub in Qatar
A cornerstone of Iberdrola’s global innovation network is the Iberdrola Innovation Middle East center, which was established in Qatar in 2016 at the Qatar Science and Technology Park. This facility serves as a key driver for the development of innovations focused on the digitization of electrical systems and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimize energy operations.
The Qatar Innovation Hub supports various projects aimed at enhancing grid reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. It also helps position Qatar as a strategic partner in the global energy transition, linking cutting-edge research with practical applications in the field.
Harnessing AI for Smarter Energy Grids in the U.S.
In the United States, Avangrid is actively harnessing state-of-the-art AI tools to unlock additional capacity on existing transmission lines. By leveraging real-time data analytics and advanced monitoring technologies, the company can dynamically assess grid conditions and safely increase the flow of electricity without compromising system reliability.
This technology-driven approach helps reduce congestion on transmission lines—a major bottleneck in many energy networks—while simultaneously improving the grid’s carrying capacity. Real-time visibility into grid performance allows for more flexible and responsive energy management, which is critical as the grid integrates growing amounts of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
In addition, Avangrid is piloting the use of mobile robotic devices equipped with AI to conduct substation inspections. These innovative robots enhance energy reliability by enabling more frequent, detailed, and precise inspections, reducing the risk of equipment failures and unplanned outages. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also increases safety for utility personnel by minimizing manual inspection requirements in potentially hazardous environments.
Avangrid’s utilities in states such as Maine and New York are already applying AI technologies both in aerial (via drones) and ground-based methods to map and plan the grid of tomorrow. These advancements enable better asset management, predictive maintenance, and optimized resource deployment, which collectively contribute to a more resilient and adaptive energy infrastructure.
A Vision for the Future of Energy
Pedro Azagra’s participation in the Qatar Economic Forum reflects Avangrid’s broader strategic vision: to lead the energy sector through innovation, strategic investment, and global collaboration. By focusing on AI, digitization, and infrastructure modernization, Avangrid aims to create a sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy future that meets the evolving needs of communities and businesses.
The collaboration between Avangrid, Iberdrola, and Qatar’s innovation ecosystem highlights the power of international partnerships in tackling some of the world’s most pressing energy challenges. Together, they are shaping a future where clean energy, smart grids, and breakthrough technologies converge to support economic growth and environmental stewardship.
