Gulf energy demand provides conference backdrop
13 October 2009
The demand for energy in the Gulf States of the Middle East is growing so fast that new power projects in the GCC are reckoned to be worth around $160 billion, with Saudi Arabia accounting for half of the total investments. A recent industry report confirms that massive power infrastructure development initiatives are afoot in the region.
Edward Rabbat: "The significant number of power projects has helped boost demand for innovative products and services
There could hardly be a better backdrop for next week’s GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition, which will be held from October 19 to 21, 2009 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Saudi Arabia.
GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition, which will serve as a central venue for regional and international industry players to tap into the world's largest energy market, is owned by CIGRE, the GCC Regional Committee for Large Electric Systems, a leading global organisation in the field of high voltage electricity.
Edward Rabbat, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company explained: "The significant number of power projects in Saudi Arabia has helped boost demand for innovative products and services as well as technologies and expertise in renewable power resources. GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition creates an interesting business-to-business platform for suppliers, technology vendors, government and corporate decision-makers and other trade visitors to identify and discuss evolving challenges in the regional power industry, and at the same time cultivate collaborative efforts among all industry stakeholders."
One of the major highlights of the fifth running of the event is the inauguration of a 400kV GCC Interconnector Grid, which was commissioned during the summer. The project underscores the cooperation among GCC countries in addressing power challenges, particularly in terms of higher reliability and security of the integrated power systems.
The event will attract around 500 international delegates who will discuss over 50 papers on electricity and energy. The conference will also hold dedicated sessions focusing on a wide range of industry topics, including plant operation and control and safety system planning.
GCC CIGRE is a permanent, Regional Committee based in Qatar. It was founded in 1985 and aims to facilitate and develop the exchange of engineering knowledge and information, between engineering personnel and technical specialists in all GCC Countries as regards generation and high voltage transmission of electricity.
The committee also aims to add value to the knowledge and information exchanged by developing methodologies and to make managers, decision-makers and regulators aware of the developing technology in the area of electric power.
Issues related to planning and operation of power systems, as well as design, construction, maintenance and disposal of HV equipment and plants are at the core of this mission. Problems related to protection of power systems, process control, telecommunication equipment and information systems also fall into GCC CIGRE's area of concern.
For more details of the conference
http://www.cigre-gcc.org