Regional governments formulate power privatisation strategies as Middle East Electricity 2012 sets platform for more than 800 exhibitors
Dubai, UAE, 13 December, 2011: Government privatisation plans for the power industry in the Middle East and North Africa will attract capital investment of up to US$525 billion from the private sector in the next five years, according to the Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation (APICORP).
More than two-thirds of the energy capital investment potential is located in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Qatar, and Algeria which will help to produce the additional 106.4 gigawatts of electricity planned for the region between 2012 and 2016.
In the same period, the GCC region is predicted to have the highest demand growth of power generation in all of the MENA market, at 8.5 per cent, spending US$252 billion in the next five to 10 years. While Saudi Arabia plans to spend US$100 billion, Qatar takes the lead in committing US$125 billion into its power infrastructure.
The figures were released in a report by market research specialists Ventures Middle East ahead of Middle East Electricity 2012, the world's leading energy event that focuses on power, lighting, renewable, nuclear and water sectors, taking place from 7-9 February at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
"Most of the governments in the MENA countries have liberalised policies pertaining to the power sector and are now in the process of formulating privatisation strategies," said Anita Mathews, Exhibition Director for Middle East Electricity.
"This has attracted major investment from the private sectors of the Middle East countries. The privatisation of the electricity sector will not only reinforce their power generation infrastructure, but will also facilitate resourceful management of transmission and distribution providing a desired balance between power demand-supply mechanisms."
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Middle East Electricity 2012 has so far attracted more than 800 exhibitors looking to capitalise on the region's booming energy sector.
New additions for the three-day exhibition in 2012 include two separate industry conferences: Power and Utilities Infrastructure, on 8 and 9 February, which will address the most pressing issues in the regional utilities landscape; and Smart Power 2012, from 7-9 February, focusing on the development and future of smart energy policies.
"Power and utility companies are expected to invest US$200 billion by 2015 to upgrade metering, transmission lines and communications to create new 'smart' systems." added Mathews.
"Over the same period 77 per cent of utility companies are expected to increase budgets for Smart Grid Technology. Smart Power 2012 has been created specifically to bring smart power to the forefront of the industry for both business and technical heads."
Other new additions for Middle East Electricity 2012 include the Middle East Electricity Awards, the VIP 100 Club and an extended programme of technical seminars.
Taking place on the opening night of the event at a gala dinner, the Middle East Electricity Awards cover seven individual categories:
- Project of the Year
- Best Innovation or Technology of the Year
- CSR Initiative of the Year
- CEO of the Year
- Power & Water Utility of the Year
- HSE Project or Initiative of the Year
- Renewable Project of the Year.
Nomination deadlines for the awards have been extended until 22 December 2011.
Organised by Informa Exhibitions, Middle East Electricity 2012 is partnered with Power + Water Middle East in Abu Dhabi and Africa Electricity in Johannesburg. To become an exhibitor, sponsor, or delegate, contact the Middle East Electricity team at +971 4 336 5161 or email: meelectricity@iirme.com.
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About Middle East Electricity:
Middle East Electricity has been rated by exhibitors and visitors as the world's leading event focusing on power, lighting, new & renewable, nuclear and water sectors. The 2012 edition of Middle East Electricity features the introduction of the Middle East Electricity Awards, Smart Power conference, Power & Utilities Infrastructure conference, VIP 100 Club, as well as an extended programme of technical seminars. Over 1000 exhibiting companies from 58 countries will showcase their products, services and technologies to over 15,000 visitors from around the world on 7 - 9 February 2012.
About Informa Exhibitions:
Middle East Electricity is organised by Informa Exhibitions, the largest trade and consumer event business in the region with a portfolio of more than 40 large scale events across a variety of industries. Informa plc (www.informa.com) is the largest publicly owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world with more than 10,000 events annually.
For further press information please contact:
Lindsay Johnston / Gareth Wright / Ahmad Huzayen
Total Communications
Tel: +971 4 336 9909
Fax: +971 4 336 9905
Email: lindsay@totalcompr.ae / gareth@totalcompr.ae / ahmad@totalcompr.ae
© Press Release 2011
