Demand for electricity in GCC rising up to 10 percent per annum

Published April 21st, 2003 - 03:00 GMT

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries need to invest $150 billion in the near term to meet the demand for electricity that is expanding at between seven and 10 percent per annum, way beyond the global average of three percent, industry sources estimate.

It is this high level of growth which is attracting so much international interest to Middle East Electricity 2004, the region’s power generation and electricity trade show and conference. This year’s edition will be the largest in the event’s history, with organizer IIR Exhibitions contracting for 14,000 square meters at the Dubai International Exhibition Center (DIEC).

Scheduled to take place February 15-18, 2003, the show will for the first time feature three vertical arenas for the power generation, lighting and new and renewable energy sectors. “Over 80 percent of participants in this year’s exhibition have rebooked for 2004,” said Sarah Woodbridge, exhibitions director for IIR’s Power and Energy Division.

Energy sector market leaders that have already contracted for Middle East Electricity 2004 include: ABB, Kema, Lucy Switchgear, Schneider, Zamil Steeel Industries, Oez International, Henikwon Corporation, Enercon Systems and NGK Insulators.

Middle East Electricity 2004 will again host the Middle East Electricity Ministers’ Summit, on the first day of the event’s expanded three-day industry conference. It will bring together government decision-makers, leading regional and international power companies and respected industry advisors, to discuss how new strategies and technologies can meet rapidly expanding energy needs.

The remainder of the conference program will have a strong focus on power generation issues and include a half-day forum on new and renewable energy. The exhibition and conference have the support of UAE Ministry of Electricity and Water and the Federal Electricity and Water Authority. — (menareport.com)