Middle East Electricity, the largest and longest running energy event in the region, kicks off today (Sunday) in Dubai, as a record number of exhibitors prepare to showcase their products and services in a region desperate for more power. More than 1,100 exhibitors from 60 countries will be out in force at the three-day event at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. They will capitalize on a booming regional power sector, led by the GCC nations. According to a recent report by the Kuwait Financial Centre, Gulf countries are surging ahead with 430 power projects valued at $227 billion, with 230 of those currently under planning. The report, called GCC Power 2012, said the six Gulf states are expected to spend $46.2 billion on future power projects by 2015, adding an additional 24,395 megawatts (MW) of capacity to their power grids – an increase of between 7-8 percent annually. Reflecting the impressive opportunities available in the region, the 38th edition of Middle East Electricity has also seen 20 percent growth in exhibitor space this year dedicated to power generation companies. Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organizers of Middle East Electricity, said: “The GCC's power infrastructure sector is witnessing a surge of fresh investment, as power supply strives to catch up with the rapidly increasing consumption rate, which has been growing steadily at nine percent across the region since 2002.” “As power demand continues to grow, so too does Middle East Electricity and we have reached a number of milestones this year as the event expands and continues to diversify its offerings to a wider stakeholder base.” One milestone is the co-location of Middle East Electricity with the inaugural edition of Solar Middle East exhibition and conference, also organized by Informa Energy Group, and introduced in response to the large amount of exhibitors at Middle East Electricity dedicated to solar technologies. Also introduced for the first time at Middle East Electricity in partnership with Dubai Municipality is the Green Energy Middle East Conference – a one-day forum on Monday – outlining new building regulations to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across Dubai in 2013 and beyond. – SG
