Move is part of Kuwait's efforts to reduce energy consumption rates, which is one of the highest in the world
Kuwait City, Kuwait; 26 May 2013 - Recording one of the highest energy consumption rates per capita in the world, Kuwait is keen on pursuing a sustainability plan that includes generating 15% of electricity from renewable resources by 2030.
At the rate Kuwait is consuming energy, with the average Kuwaiti using 22 times more resources than the country provides per person, experts believe it will need as much as 20% of its oil production capacity just for energy generation by 2017 - a consumption pattern deemed unsustainable given that 66% of the country's GDP is dependent on the oil industry.
On June 2-3, 2013, Kuwait's senior government officials, policymakers and influential private sector stakeholders will gather at the Kuwait Energy & Efficiency Conference at the Hilton Kuwait Resort to start mapping a national energy efficiency strategy.
Organised by MEED Events and supported by the Ministry of Electricity & Water and Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Kuwait Energy & Efficiency 2013 will provide an excellent platform to debate and discuss a sustainable energy plan for Kuwait, including identifying concrete solutions that will help energy consumption in Kuwait.
Kuwait's increasing energy consumption has been driven by a number of factors. Heavily subsidized electricity prices, an increase in local and expatriate population, a rise in economic activity largely generated around oil production and increased penetration of modern conveniences such as cars and electrical goods has created a rising demand for energy which outstrips the oil rich country's current capacity. Outdated infrastructure and the absence of an incentive structure to moderate energy usage have contributed to a difficult situation for the Kuwaiti government in planning for a sustainable future.
"We are analyzing Kuwait's energy consumption trends and developing measures to attain energy efficiency as a key platform of governance for Kuwait's long-term economic development goals. This conference will be a critical step in formulating policies and initiatives that will help us attain sustainable energy practices," said Dr. Mershan Al-Otaibi, Asst. Undersecretary for Planning and Training, Ministry of Electricity and Water, Kuwait.
The highlights of the conference include keynote addresses by Ministry of Electricity & Water, KPC, KNPC, Ministry of Oil, KOC and the Environmental Public Authority on the development and implementation of Kuwait's energy efficiency policies, as well as on measures that will be implemented to balance sustainable economic growth with environmental targets. The International Energy Agency will present its overview of the 25 policy recommendations for the Middle East, including how Kuwait can develop its own energy efficiency indicators and how it can implement energy sustainability policies.
ABB, a leading power and automation technology group, is one of the Workshop Leaders for the conference will lead discussions on energy efficiency in the power sector. "The region, as in the rest of the world, is facing a serious energy challenge. Our best hope of addressing this is to use energy more efficiently. Estimates suggest energy efficiency improvements could deliver half the cuts in emissions needed to slow global warming over the next 25 years. Using energy more efficiently will also help Kuwait improve its competitiveness by freeing up oil and gas for export," said Richard Ledgard, Country Manager ABB in Kuwait.
Kuwait Energy & Efficiency 2013 features a comprehensive agenda of presentations, panel discussions and workshops involving energy experts from around the region. It has been made possible by the involvement of MEW and KNPC as supporting partners, Tekneen District Cooling Company as Silver Sponsor, GDF Suez as Lunch Sponsor, as well as ABB and Focus Consultancy Services as Workshop Leaders. Alghanim International/Keppel Seghers are participating in the event as exhibitor. For details on the agenda and how to register, please visit www.kuwaitenergyefficiency.com.
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About Kuwait Energy & Efficiency 2013Kuwait Energy & Efficiency is the only conference to address the need for sustainable energy solutions in Kuwait and will be the first and only forum where policymakers come together with industry leaders to begin the process of mapping an energy efficiency plan for the country.
For media inquiries and assistance, please contact:
Anthon Garcia
PR Consultant, Kuwait Energy & Efficiency Conference 2013
M: +97150.1398661
E: anthongarcia@yahoo.com
© Press Release 2013
