Steady economic and population growth,associated with rapid urbanisation, has led to an increase in energy demand to meet rising electricity and desalinated water needs in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
The Mena Renewables Report published recently by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) and Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), estimates that investments worth $145.7bn will be needed for power generation from 2013 to 2017 in the Mena region. Of which, investments worth $63.1bn will be in the GCC, $21.4bn in Iran and approximately $53bn in the combined other countries of the region.
Commenting on the rise of Mena renewable energy sector, Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Power + Water Middle East, said: “The development of the region’s renewable energy sector has seen a sharp interest from investors with regional investments set at $2.9bn in 2012.”
With the regional renewable energy sector also continuing to accelerate, governments and experts will gather to debate industry developments, strategy and innovation at the second edition of the Power + Water Leaders Forum in Abu Dhabi, taking place on September 23, 2013 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The dedicated conference runs alongside the Power + Water Middle East exhibition, which takes place from September 23-25, and will provide an ideal platform for experts to discuss sustainable best practices and innovative solutions across two of the region’s burgeoning sectors.
A notable line-up of speakers will feature at the one-day forum, including Khaldon Khashman, Secretary General, Arab Countries Water Utilities Association, and Robin Mills, Head of Consulting at Manaar Energy Consulting.
One of the key themes of the Power + Water Leaders Forum is renewable energy, and the growth of the sector in the Mena region is likely to continue over the next two decades, with over 100 projects currently under development.
Held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, the forum brings together developers, manufacturers, buyers and service providers from a range of sectors in power and water to meet, discuss and invest in the current products and technologies in the related industries. The forum is supported by the Society of Engineers – UAE and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
