RIYADH — Sustaining energy supply and managing consumption are key challenges for governments, industry and the public. These stakeholders must continuously remind themselves about the symbiotic link between sustainability, energy efficiency and operational efficiency if they are to overcome their escalating energy issues, said Eng. Ahmed Al Rashood, Vice-President of Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Energy Management Solutions, Schneider Electric - Saudi Arabia. “Today, a range of competitive solutions are available that provide quick payback across all installations, particularly in terms of energy efficiency. In addition to resolving energy security stakes and managing the gap between energy production and demand, Schneider Electric's solutions are particularly industry-renowned for effecting significant reductions on energy bills,” he noted. Al Rashood's comments come ahead of Schneider Electric's participation at the for-day Saudi Energy Efficiency Forum and Exhibition (SEEFE) that opened Saturday at the Al Khozama Conference Center in Riyadh. The event is organized by the Ministry of Water and Electricity and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The International Energy Agency estimated that global energy demand will need a staggering $20 trillion investment by 2035. The GCC states are set to invest nearly $300 billion by 2020 in setting up new power production plants, distribution systems and supply grids. In an effort to tackle the increasing demand for power and address inefficient consumption of electricity to conserve energy, Saudi Arabia has set out a 10-year plan (2012-2022) for implementing new projects worth $121 billion (SAR452 billion), the latest data from Saudi Energy Efficiency Forum showed. The effort will not only help protect the environment for future generations, it will also promote the production of electricity from natural resources such as solar and wind. Against a background that demands concerted dialogue on ways to enhance energy efficiency, the Saudi Electricity Efficiency Forum and Exhibition takes center stage as an integral event in Saudi Arabia. The event will highlight the vision of the Saudi Building Code and key criteria for achieving energy efficiency in buildings. As part of this process, the platform will look at ways to implement and update the Saudi Building Code at local government and the private sector facilities. Schneider Electric experts will join specialists from Arab and international agencies to drive conversations on energy conservation, renewable energy, and smart buildings. In addition to headlining workshops and forums at the event, senior executives from Schneider Electric will also showcase its portfolio of energy efficiency solutions at the exhibition that will feature major companies from the electrical, air conditioning, lighting and thermal insulation industries. — SG
