Major forum and expo open in Abu Dhabi today
ABU DHABI: The Power + Water Middle East exhibition and Leaders' Forum opens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Abdullah Saif Al-Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), will formally inaugurate the show.
Latest research reveals there are 44 power and water projects in the GCC valued at $31.9 billion already under way or due to begin in 2012.
The UAE leads the way with 11 projects valued at $10 billion, including the $800 million Hassyan 1 Independent Power Plant, on which construction is slated to begin in 2012.
Saudi Arabia also has 11 new projects under way or due to start in 2012, valued at $8.6 billion, including the $2 billion Al-Qurrayah Independent Power Plant (IPP).
In Kuwait, 10 projects are under way valued at $3.4 billion, seven of which will begin construction in 2012.
Bahrain has three projects valued at $4.1 billion, including the independent water and power plant in Al-Dur, which has been ongoing since 2008. Qatar has three projects valued at $3.3 billion, while Oman has six projects valued at $2.5 billion, all of which will begin construction in 2012.
The latest figures, released by market research specialist Ventures Middle East, highlight the enormous opportunities for the more than 100 local and international suppliers and contractors exhibiting at Power + Water Middle East taking place from Oct. 16 to 18 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
"The latest developments in the power and water sectors of the GCC countries underline the fact that the region is not only one of the fastest growing but also holds the most potential of global electricity markets," said Anita Mathews, exhibition director for Power + Water Middle East.
"The power sector in the GCC region has seen exponential growth ranging from 10 to 15 percent annually in many of its member states, with demand for electrical power to triple over the next 25 years," said Al-Nuaimi. "Similarly, the water industry is expected to be worth $70 billion over the next 10 years. Power + Water Middle East will also continue to grow significantly as the region's leading event in the power generation and water industries."
Organized by Informa Exhibitions and presented in partnership with Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), the Power + Water Middle East Leaders' Forum will discuss the progress being made in developing sustainable business practices.
The one-day conference taking place on Sunday will have presentations of speakers such as Michael Flynn, principal investigator from NASA Ames Research Center; Scott Minos, senior policy and communications specialist at the US Department of Energy; and professor Jim Skea, research director of the UK Energy Research Sector.
Other highlights of the forum include presentations from leading multinational organizations such as ABB Consulting, WS Atkins, Oracle Utilities, and Alliance for Water Stewardship.
© Arab News 2011
