Solar energy is being seen as an important alternative power resource that will generate over five gigawatts of energy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by 2020. The utilization of solar energy is part of the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to target renewable energy in a USD100 billion spending drive aimed at meeting a predicted increase in electricity demand and reducing its dependence on crude. The country’s demand for energy is expected to peak at 120 gigawatts by 2012 mainly due to key factors like an expanding and highly-diversified industry base that accounts for 61.9 per cent of the Kingdom’s GDP and a fast growing population, which is expected to double by 2032.
To help meet this demand, the Kingdom is now looking towards solar power and other non-hydrocarbon sources as strategic options to bolster energy generating capacity by 50 percent within the next ten years. Expert analysts have stated that the region's oil producers will need to produce more electricity to sustain a regional economic growth rate averaging about 10 per cent per annum. The search for key alternative power resources has generated an interest among Middle East economies for new ways to generate power; marking the preference to export crude to maximize income and allocate natural gas to make petrochemicals. Reports also show that the demand for electricity in Saudi Arabia is steadily increasing, with the demand in 2010 reaching 40 gigawatts and is expected to reach 120 gigawatts in 2032. Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is currently spearheading solar initiatives, with the aim of opening the world’s largest solar powered desalination plant by 2012 in the city of Al-Khafji. When completed, the project will supply 30,000 cubic meters of clean water per day and will use newly developed membrane technology and ultra-high concentrator photo-voltaic technology. Saudi Energy – The 14th International Show for Electricity, Lighting, Power Generation, Water Technology, and HVAC for Saudi Arabia – will showcase the latest equipment, services and best practices to help the Kingdom formulate efficient solutions to its energy challenge. Taking place from May 29 to June 1, 2011, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the latest edition of Saudi Arabia’s leading energy trade fair will comprise four concurrent events collectively referred to as ‘ELAW.’ "Saudi Arabia is currently looking at various alternatives that can help boost its power generation to meet rising demand. We are now seeing solar energy as a likely solution that can meet this jump in electricity demand, with experts predicting that it will be able to generate at least five gigawatts of power towards the end of the decade. 'Saudi Energy' aims to act as a strategic platform to showcase key energy-related solutions. This year's edition promises to be a key event for stakeholders in several inter-connected industries to network and take advantage of business and sales opportunities not only in the Kingdom but throughout the Middle East as well,” said Mohammad Al Hussaini, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company. Saudi Energy 2011 will include Saudi ELENEX, The 14th International Electrical Engineering, Power Generation and Distribution Exhibition; Saudi Luminex, The 11th International Trade Show for Lighting Equipment; Saudi Aircon, The 12th International Exhibition on Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation and Refrigeration; and Saudi Water Tech, The 9th International Exhibition for Water Technology, Desalination Plants and Accessories. Also to be held under the show is the Electricity Efficiency Forum – the International Conference on Energy Conservation – which will run under the patronage of H.E. Abdullah Al Hussayen, Minister of Water and Electricity. Event organizer Riyadh Exhibitions Company is increasing exhibition space by 20 per over the 2010 show, which welcomed 15 participating countries and posted growths of 25 and 20 per cent for exhibitor and visitor footfall, respectively. Saudi Energy 2011 is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
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