The Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) will focus initially on five national energy conservation targets to achieve the Kingdom's thrust of promoting energy efficiency as a key national priority. The energy conservation targets were identified at the conclusion Wednesday of the first energy conservation workshop organized here by the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). SEEC, created by the Council of Ministers in October 2010 and currently operating under the umbrella of KACST, will be tasked with managing the Kingdom's energy demands and developing energy efficient technologies and conservation policies. The identified national energy conservation targets are: (1) the promotion of efficiency programs for utility-run facilities, (2) adaptation of energy efficient standards and labeling of appliances and other electrical components, (3) improvement of energy efficient programs of industries, particularly in the petrochemical sector, (4) reduction in the use of appliances and other electrical gadgets at peak periods, and (5) promotion of energy efficiency in buildings, including the enhancement of performance of building components and systems. Dr. Naif Al-Abbadi, director of SEEC, addressing the workshop, said the optimal use of energy resources will undoubtedly support national development. He cited four core directions in supporting the national energy efficiency program. These are raising energy efficiency awareness through education and training, implementing energy efficiency pilot projects, developing energy efficiency policies, regulations and specifications, and coordinating with stakeholders in promoting energy efficiency. Henceforth, the SEEC will launch national summer awareness campaigns emphasizing the efficient use of energy in household appliances, such as the use of air conditioning, which many people use to full capacity during the hot summer months. Attendees at the workshop, who were mostly researchers, investors in renewable energies, and business leaders interested in developing alternative, sustainable methods of energy production, and technologies, gave emphasis to the urgency of conserving energy, given the fact that energy consumption in the Kingdom is projected to grow eight percent annually from the current peak levels of around 44,000 megawatts (MW) to around 121,000 MW by 2032. Saudi Arabia is expected to invest over SR330 billion in new projects in the power sector between now and 2020, increasing the Kingdom's electricity generation capacity to 80 gigawatts in order to meet the country's future needs. Attendees said the huge amount to be invested in power generation in order to support targeted economic development projects and population growth must be complemented by efficient energy use and conservation by home and industrial users. __
