Power-Gen expo to begin in Abu Dhabi on January 30
29 January 2006
Electricity demand is growing at an annual rate of seven per cent, while demand for desalinated water is expanding by five per cent, outstripping the world average of just three per cent.
"Statistics show that ten per cent of global growth in generating capacity will come from the Arab world in the next ten years. The UAE will require 8,000mw of
capacity within the next decade, while Saudi Arabia will need an additional 42GW by 2020."
"Much of this growth in demand is being driven by the need for drinking water, high population growth rates to diversify to a more industrial based economy," said Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouie, Managing
Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC).
He said that ADNEC aims to raise awareness of opportunities that continue to be created for trade, investment and tourism with its portfolio of international exhibitions, conferences, festivals and entertainment.
Mr Mazrouie added that Abu Dhabi's economy is continually developing, diversifying and strengthening, as traditional sectors such as and gas and re-export are supported by growing sectors such as tourism, industry and export.
Nick Ornstein Group Publisher of the Pennwell Corporation said that the economies in the region are buoyant with an exceptionally high economic growth rate, which will increase the electricity demand in the region to 7-10 per cent annually.
However, he said capital expenditure required to meet demand cannot be met by public funds alone.
He said that ADWEA is currently overseeing the recently approved privatisation programme. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are adding a number of new independent power and water plants.
To keep with this high demand, massive investment is required to build and upgrade power plants, Ornstein said adding that total investment needed in the sector for the region has been put at $200 billion over the next 15 years.
In addition, the latest technologies and operating techniques will have to be implemented to get the most out of the existing plants.
These investment requirements and technology needs will all be addressed at the Power-Gen, starting from January 30-February1, said Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouie. He said that the mega event would be held at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibitions Center.
He said that the exhibition, which will have 120 exhibiting companies, would prove an opportunity for all the companies to promote their technologies and products.
He anticipated that 4000-6000 industry stakeholders will visit the exhibition, while 300 officials and experts from the region will attend a conference to discuss industry-specific issues facing the region.
Among prominent industry officials who will attend the conference include Adnan Ibrahim Al Mohaisen, General Manager of the GCC Interconnection Authority, Dr Saheh Al Alawi, the newly-appointed chairman of the authority of Electricity Regulation in Oman, Omar Alghamdi, President of Saudi Arabia's Water and Electricity Company, Gerhard Gleissner, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company.
The conference will commence with a presentation looking at the extension of private sector involvement in power and water distribution in Abu Dhabi, given by Bob Taylor, Deputy Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Distribution Company.
