JEDDAH — Water and power experts warned of the high annual consumption rates of water and power in Saudi Arabia with more than 100 percent ratios compared to countries rich with water resources. Ahead of the upcoming Saudi Water & Power Forum (SWPF) to be held on Jan. 12-14, 2015, industry experts, in making the forecast, noted that individual common consumption of power is twice the global rate, recording growth of more than 5 percent per annum, while water consumption touches more than double compared to other countries. Despite official bodies' reassurance on the secured future of water and power, experts are calling for more economic utilization and reduced wasteful consumption, particularly in those that exceed consumption in countries where water is aplenty. Water expert Turki Al-Otaibi said: "According to studies, Saudi Arabia's consumption of water per year is unfortunately around 20 billion cubic meters, forming nearly half the water in Gary River. The daily consumption in Saudi Arabia is 2.8 million tanks, out of which more than 70 percent is from non-renewable groundwater. This is despite the authorities' caveat on rationalization of consumption through media or visits to government departments conducted by water and power sectors representatives.” Al-Otaibi further said consumption rates of water or power surpassed 100 percent which reflects the need of government departments' cooperation, in addition to developing power and water plants projects, considering that the sector grows more than 5 percent annually. He underscored the necessity of adapting rationalization of consumption during the Saudi Water & Power Forum. The move requires cooperation between local and international expertise in using large water volume and establish plants to create a balance between supply and demand. President of the Saudi Water & Power Forum Dr. Adil Bushnak said the Forum's 10th edition would bring together local and global water and power stakeholders aimed at acquiring new knowledge, exchange expertise, and forge partnerships in investing in water and power projects. Saudi Arabia is ranked third globally among the largest consumers of water, and Bushnak estimates that power and water production projects would reach up to SR500 billion in 10 years, in addition to nearly SR200 billion dedicated for water projects. — SG
