Power demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is rising by eight percent per year and is expected to triple in the coming years[i]. Power consumption is expected to increase from an estimated 179TWh in 2009 to 208TWh by the end of 2014, with a growing power generation surplus, assuming 5.1 percent average annual growth (2010-2014) in electricity generation[ii]. These factors have propelled the expansion of numerous power projects, which includes the use of alternative energy resources.
The King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), based in Riyadh, is one of the key developments in the region that supports renewable energy projects. The recent launch is the National Solar Systems 2 MW solar park, on the roof of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
"Solar energy is best suited for the region because of high solar irradiation in KSA and vast unutilized desert space. In addition to the KAUST project, other projects in the range of 5MW and 10MW are currently underway," said Abdulhadi Al-Mureeh, Managing Director, National Solar Systems and speaker at the first Saudi Arabian Infrastructure Congress 2010.
Addressing key infrastructure issues within the region, the first Saudi Arabian Infrastructure Congress 2010 will provide the requisite platform for delegates across the region to interact with key government developers and clinch deals. The congress is scheduled to be held from October 23rd – 25th, 2010, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Congress will witness an attendance of around 40 percent delegates from Saudi and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. High-level government organizations such as Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Ports Authority and Saudi Railway Company among others will present updates on on-going projects.
[i] Interview with Abdulhadi Al Mureeh, Managing Director, National Solar Systems
[ii] BMI Saudi Arabia Power Report Q3 2010 – Brief Summary
