GEN Middle East (PGME) Conference and Exhibition, recently held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, successfully addressed key issues affecting the region's electricity market, through providing pioneering and practical solutions to expand energy efficiency, technological excellence and implementation of smart solutions tailored to the Middle East's power industry. The event witnessed more than 2,500 attendees from over 65 countries worldwide and over 100 high-level regional and international chairs and speakers at the conference sessions. These included Adnan Fakhro, Deputy Chief Executive Distribution & Customer Services, Bahrain Electricity & Water Authority, Bahrain, Emad Ragaban, Business Development Manager, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia and Bob Brynaik, CEO, Golden Sands Management Consulting, UAE. And following a recent study, among the most popular conference sessions and panel discussions were Gas Turbine Technology Updates, Hybrid and Renewables, Tariff Reforms and Challenges, Smart Technology and Cyber Security. Commenting on the event, Feraye Gurel, Event Director, said: "PGME 2015 has set an ideal platform for regional and international power sector leaders to design and implement the course of power and electricity for 2015 and beyond. In addition, the UAE has proven to be a regional pioneer in sustainable development and in addressing the challenges of ensuring energy, water and food security. Leading events such as PGME serve as a testament to its commitment to smart technologies and energy mix options including renewables and clean energy from solar energy as well as serving as a crucial global platform for cooperation and strategic partnerships." "We look forward to welcoming back this year's participants and other industry leaders in search of investment opportunities and looking ahead to delivering growth and value to the regional dialogue." she added. Power industry professionals were invited to take part in a technical tour at one of the world's most sustainable eco-neighborhoods, Masdar City. Guided tours included the ‘Undercroft Laboratories', which involved a viewing of the micro nano fabrication facility in addition to the microscopy lab and the materials testing lab. Attendees were also invited to explore the city's alleys and public spaces which included a briefing about Masdar's sustainable building methodology and viewing of the key architectural elements. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, Masdar CEO, said: "Masdar is proud to have served as the sustainability partner of PGME 2015. Our partnership with the region's foremost conference dedicated to designing and implementing the future of power generation reinforces our commitment to making access to energy worldwide a reality. Masdar represents the embodiment of the UAE's commitment to advancing safe, clean and secure energy. We continue to collaborate with local, regional and global partners to forward the sustainable energy agenda worldwide, and our cooperation with the conference further advances to our mission of driving greater dialogue on future energy." PGME 2015 witnessed participation from top regional power producing companies including Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Bahrain Electricity & Water Authority (BEWA), Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company and leader in developing some of the most sophisticated renewable energy projects in the world and TRANSCO, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA). Other leading utilities and companies participating at this year's POWER-GEN Middle East 2015 exhibition were QUARTZELEC, Chromalloy, Masaood John Brown, Siemens, Ansaldo, Amec Foster Wheeler, Atkins, Lucy Electric and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems. — SG
