The power sector in the region has witnessed huge investments over the past decade

GROWING populations in the Middle East and increased industrialisation are pushing demand for electricity and water higher and higher, compelling regional governments to strategise on ideal power generation systems and cost reductions through higher technologies.

While demand grows, so do possibilities for business investments which spur trade and commerce. The need for research and development stimulates the innovative spirit among the region’s nationals with nothing but good results emanating from the effort.

The upcoming Power-Gen Middle East (PGME) and WaterWorld Middle East (WWME) Conferences and Exhibition to be held in Abu Dhabi from October 12 to 14 come at an opportune time when authorities, experts and businessmen are excited about new systems and new products.

Delegates from over 65 countries are likely to attend the events which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

“Global interest in the Mena region is being driven by an estimated future growth in electricity demand of, on average, 7 per cent per year, which is likely to require an investment of as much as $283 billion within the region’s overall power sector, between 2014 and 2018,” said Nigel Blackaby, event director of PGME.

“Power-Gen Middle East is returning to Abu Dhabi in response to the progressive solutions put forward by local companies to address the energy demands in the region, and in acknowledgment of its investment potential. We are pleased to see Power-Gen Middle East Conference back in Abu Dhabi where it first started 12 years ago,” he said.

Dr Hisham Khatib, honorary vice chairman, World Energy Council, Jordan, and former Jordanian Minister of Energy, will be the keynote speaker alongside other prestigious speakers including Alan Thomson, managing director, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC).

“The Middle East offers exciting business opportunities for the global water industry,” said Thomson. “Spurred on by a buoyant economy and population growth, the GCC countries are looking to invest $130 billion over the next decade to meet future water demand and introduce new measures to achieve long-term sustainable water and energy supplies. It is the goal of WaterWorld Middle East to connect investors with innovators to create a more sustainable path forward for water conservation and management, and ADSSC looks forward to learning more about best practices from international leaders in order to best protect this at-risk resource.”

The 12th annual Power-Gen Middle East provides the platform for the international power community to meet and receive vital information first hand. The event offers a unique forum to meet the region’s power needs by putting them face-to-face with key decision-makers and providing the best possible opportunity to share ideas, meet new contacts and build business relationships, said a statement.

A first for the region, the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation will be hosting a forum during the conferences, endorsed by the Russian Energy Minister, as part of the Russian government’s commitment to providing global energy security, developing international energy cooperation and ensuring sustainable economic development of the Mena region.  This full-day event is expected to attract additional delegates from around the globe interested in learning more about Russia’s 2030 Energy Strategy and investment opportunities in the energy sector.

For the third time, WaterWorld Middle East will be held as a co-located event with Power-Gen Middle East.