Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Mr. Nigel Blackaby, Director of POWER-GEN Middle East 2014, said that this event to be held on 12-14 October this year in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) will review the most significant renewable energy projects in Emirates and Arabian Gulf area.

He mentioned in an interview in Abu Dhabi that the conference and exhibition that hosts delegates and international experts in the fields of electricity and water from more than 65 countries will discuss energy challenges, future projects and the high demand for energy in the next stage.

He also mentioned that demand for electric energy in GCC will rise during the next five years by about 43% because of huge residential and industrial investments that reach $283 billion.

He estimated the annual demand for electric energy in GCC to be about 8.3%, referring that GCC is willing to increase electricity production by 156 gigawatts during the next five years to be added to current energy amount of 234 gigawatts.

Mr. Blackaby also emphasized that GCC is still the world most attractive area for global investments in energy industry.

In addition, he said that this area is considered the most important for the energy industry, and more capital will flow in order to participate in constructing huge projects because of the state of the stability witnessed.

He mentioned that the huge economic growth and the rise of demand for energy projects in Gulf area will attract more investors.

He predicted that renewable energy in Middle East and North Africa market will witness a growth from 9 to 11% until 2020, based on estimations from Frost&Sullivan firm.

He added, "Solar energy and wind energy witnesses remarkable growth that reaches 9% annually in Middle East, which proves that countries in the region are serious about finding new power sources."

Mr. Nigel Blackaby also explained that the world interest in the Middle East is associated to the rise of demand in the future of the electricity sector, which is relatively estimated at 7% annually, and which is likely to require an investment of $283 billion in the overall power sector in the region from 2014 to 2019.

He stressed on the importance of cooperation with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority's Convention Bureau to organize this event which is expected to host more than 4,000 participants from more than 65 countries,
And said that this event is matching with Abu Dhabi vision in 2030, that strives to transform Abu Dhabi into a centre for modern world economy and a world headquarter for renewable energy, referring to Abu Dhabi's success in hosting the headquarter of IRENA agency.

He also refereed that holding this exhibition and conference "reflects our commitment in supporting growth and sustainability in Abu Dhabi, and sustaining position of the Emirate that embraces dialogues and solutions related to vital industries to local and international economics.
He also referred that holding such an event will contribute in sustaining the international position and reputation of Abu Dhabi as financial and managerial centre for UAE.
In addition to increasing economical diversity and growth through the development of energy and water/wastewater industries in Abu Dhabi and in the Emirates on a large scale and spreading development in Abu Dhabi.

And he referred to the importance of motivating private sector organizations through joining local exhibitor companies, suppliers and contractors, and expanding existing relations with customers and start new commercial transactions with private sector companies in Abu Dhabi, UAE and the region on a large scale to sustain Abu Dhabi position in global market.

He also mentioned the importance of facilitating structural change in public sector through exchanging information about latest intelligent and sustainable network technologies, standard projects and new developments to meet the growing demand for energy and water.

The POWER-GEN Middle East returns to Abu Dhabi in response to advanced solutions introduced by local companies to meet energy sector demands and in recognition of investment opportunities in the region. Blackaby also expressed the importance of the POWER-GEN Middle East return once again to Abu Dhabi, where it was first launched 12 years ago.

Experts focus in this event in Abu Dhabi on providing world energy security, developing cooperation in the global energy field and insuring sustainable economical development in the Middle East.
This event also provide a forum to meet energy sector needs in the region, through gathering decision makers and providing the best possible opportunities to exchange ideas and build new relations.
The 12th POWER-GEN Middle East 2014 is considered a platform for the world energy community to meet and obtain direct and vital information.