JEDDAH — The UAE's Ministry of Energy (MOENR) has officially launched the 8th Exhibition of Electrical Industries in the Arab World (EEIAW). The event, which is taking place in the UAE for the first time, is co-located with the 13th annual POWER-GEN Middle East Conference and Exhibition. Prior to the official ribbon cutting, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy; Dr. Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of UAE's Ministry of Energy; Eng. Jamila Youssef Matar, Director of Energy Management at the League of Arab States Egypt; and Glenn Ensor, Managing Director of PennWell International Power Group, UK, gave their speeches at the joint opening ceremony. Al Mazrouei said: “The Ministry of Energy is currently collaborating with service providers, to develop an integrated strategy which aims to diversify power sources – through the use of eco-friendly power sources that do not produce any emissions of carbon dioxide ultimately achieving sustainability and reducing costs. In addition, we plan to reduce our reliance on natural gas generate electricity by no more than 70% by 2021.” “PGME 2015 and EEIWA has set the ideal platform for industry professionals to discuss strategic issues and find appropriate solutions as well as showcase latest energy solutions and innovations for the Middle East market,” he added. The 13th Annual POWER-GEN Middle East Conference and Exhibition, which runs on Oct. 4-6 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), is renowned for delivering a world-class quality program with a focus on practical and technical solutions, presided by over 60 leading industry experts on POWER-GEN Middle East's Advisory Board. Eng. Jamila Youssef Matar, Director of Energy Management at the League of Arab States Egypt said: “Many Arab countries are currently seeking effective ways to develop electrical industries and equipment. The Arab Ministerial Council has acknowledged the potential for investment in this market hence putting it in the lead of its priorities. Hosting such events are crucial to the industry as they provide opportunities to learn more about the latest industry developments in power generation and all related sectors.” Top regional power producing companies Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Bahrain Electricity & Water Authority (BEWA) have confirmed participation as Supporting Utilities. Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company and leader in developing some of the most sophisticated renewable energy projects in the world, has announced its participation as the official “Sustainability Partner”. TRANSCO, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) responsible for developing, operating and maintaining the high voltage power transmission and bulk water transmission networks within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is a ‘Silver Sponsor'. – SG
