OGS 2008 diversifies into renewable energy sources to tackle alternative solutions to impending power shortfall
The 15th edition of OGS 2008, the region's definitive event for engineers and technical professionals, will diversify into renewable energy as the Show seeks to embrace a spectrum of energy sources and strengthen its contribution to emerging sustainable development initiatives in the UAE and across the Middle East. OGS 2008 will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 28 to 30, 2008 amid growing calls by business leaders for substantial investments towards alternative and renewable energy projects.
Reacting to an imminent energy crunch and reflecting a changing attitude towards environmental conservation, a recent poll showed that up to 92 per cent of regional business leaders believe that the UAE should invest in research and implementation of projects for solar, wind, bio-fuel and other alternative sources of energy. The business community, one of society's biggest energy consumers, has been galvanised into action in the face of a possible 35 per cent water and power shortfall by 2012, as a result of spiralling energy demands. Energy consumption in the city of Dubai alone is increasing 15 percent year on year, according to reports.
"OGS 2008 will pool together experts and professionals from a diverse range of industries to tackle pressing issues that affect the future of our society. We have established a networking platform that will leverage the expertise, knowledge and experience of various industry players in a collective effort to address the impending energy shortage through the development of economical, ecologically-viable alternative sources of energy," said Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), the organisers of OGS.
Incorporating a dedicated segment for alternative and renewable energy sources is in step with the newly reworked format of OGS 2008, which has been expanded to be a more comprehensive platform for all key players and stakeholders of the energy industry. OGS 2008, which has been organised under the theme 'Cultivating Synergy in Energy', now incorporates four separate segments: Electricity and Water Technology 2008; Instrumentation, Automation and Laboratory Technology 2008; Oil and Gas; and Careers Expo.
"Although various projects are underway that aim to deploy alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, studies show that based on the current pace of development alternative energy may only account for a mere 4 to 5 per cent of the UAE's total peak electricity demand by 2020, which is expected to balloon to over 40,000 megawatts. We believe that the Oil and Gas Show can be an important catalyst that will encourage more concrete initiatives to address this emerging concern," said Godinho.
Diversifying into alternative sources of energy also follows a region-wide trend of economic diversification wherein concrete steps have been taken to strengthen non-oil industries and gradually shift towards knowledge-based economies. OGS 2008 seeks to underscore the impact of renewable energy in terms of increasing profitability, operational productivity and equipment efficiency. Discussions related to renewable energy resources will be incorporated in the Electricity and Water Technology segment, which will also focus on environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, the OGS - Careers Expo, another new component of the Show, serves as a direct channel for job seekers, recruitment services providers and direct employers. Careers Expo primarily seeks to deliver professional manpower to several key sectors such as oil & gas, renewable energy, water, automation and electricity.
The Instrumentation, Automation and Laboratory Technology segment is a cross-industrial platform for technicians and engineers, showcasing a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art equipment, technology and expertise. The Oil and Gas 2008 segment will provide a networking forum for both upstream and downstream industry players, facilitating interaction and developing business ties between public and private stakeholders of the oil and gas industry.
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© Press Release 2008
