Middle
East gears up for increased power demand and infrastructure development
Posted: 15 June 2003
Regional and International Companies eye massive business
opportunities
The Middle East region continues to offer massive business potential
for regional and international companies involved in the power generation,
lighting and new & renewable energy industries.
In addition to the obvious opportunities that the reconstruction
of post-war Iraq represents, Middle East electricity demand continues
to grow. The annual average of 9 per cent is triple the global figure,
according to industry analysts who estimate the GCC will have to
invest US $100 billion over the next decade to meet its energy needs.
The World Energy Council says the GCC will require 100,000 MW of
additional power over the next 10 years. The UAE alone will have
to install an additional 8,000 MWs, while Saudi Arabia will have
to add 2,000 MW every year to meet double digit growth in demand.
Elsewhere in the GCC, annual capacity expansion is forecast to
range between 7 and 10 per cent.
“Rapid population increase and massive infrastructure development
is fuelling the increasing demand for electricity throughout the
Middle East.” said Sarah Woodbridge, Exhibitions Director
(Power Division), IIR Exhibitions; the organisers of Middle East
Electricity, the region’s premier power generation and electricity
industry event. “There is huge demand for the latest technological
innovations in energy related equipment across all of the industry
sectors, from power generation to lighting and new and renewable
energy.
The IMF’s prediction of continued strong economic growth
means that the regional power sector will remain very buoyant –
this is in stark contrast to other parts of the world where demand
is stagnant or growing slowly.”
Middle East Electricity is globally acknowledged as the premier
event of its kind in the region and ranks amongst the world’s
top 5 industry shows.
“One of the reasons for its consistent success is the way
that the show has evolved over its 28 year history in line with
the ever changing and expanding requirements of the region,”
said Woodbridge.
Visitor research undertaken at Middle East Electricity 2003 showed
that 46 per cent came specifically to meet companies involved in
the power generation industry – 48 per cent to meet lighting
companies and 24 per cent to meet new and renewable energy companies.
As a result of these research findings, the 2004 exhibition will
feature three dedicated industry arenas that specifically focus
on power generation, industrial and commercial lighting and new
and renewable energy.
“This is yet another example of how we closely monitor the
needs of the region and work closely with our colleagues in the
regional and international power industry. It ensures that Middle
East Electricity delivers the specific ranges of products and services
that our audience of prime decision makers are interested in.”
“Power generation is an especially critical issue. Continued
social and economic development in the region depends on having
sufficient energy available. The dedicated power generation element
of the show will help the industry’s biggest players to tap
into one of the world’s fastest growing markets,” added
Woodbridge.
Increased international interest in the region is reflected in
the continued growth of Middle East Electricity. In 2004, the show
will be the largest ever, occupying 14,000 square metres at the
Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).
“With nine months still to go, Middle East Electricity 2004
is already virtually sold out. Over 80 per cent of participants
at this year’s event rebooked and we are receiving strong
international interest from companies who have shifted their strategic
focus to the Middle East,” said Woodbridge.
Dubai, with an infrastructure that is designed to stimulate business,
and the Middle East’s leading business hub, is the ideal location
to conduct power industry business.
In particular, it will play a leading role in the reconstruction
of Iraq’s electricity generation and distribution sector.
“From the enquiries we have already received about the 2004
show, we anticipate a significant number of visitors from Iraq who
will be there specifically to source equipment and services,”
added Woodbridge.
Middle East Electricity 2004 will showcase the latest industry-related
products and services in over 220 different categories.
From adapters and ammeters to capacitors and circuit breakers;
from computer systems and accessories to electrical meters; from
energy management systems and services to rectifiers and switchboards
and switchgear — from solar and wind power to industrial and
commercial lighting.
“With literally thousands of products and services on show,
many of which will be making their regional debut, the exhibition
will be an unrivalled one-stop shop for everyone in the region’s
power industry. It is the only Middle East event that brings so
many international suppliers and leading industry decision-makers
and buyers together under one roof, in one place at one time,”
said Woodbridge.
Middle East Electricity 2004, with key support from the UAE Ministry
of Electricity and Water and the Federal Electricity and Water Authority,
will take place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from
February 15-18, 2004.
It will also host the Middle East Electricity Ministers’
Summit as part of an expanded three-day conference programme running
alongside the show.
For more information see www.middleeastelectricity.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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