Ongoing power projects in the GCC have been estimated to be worth up to SR607.5 billion, with Saudi Arabia accounting for around 50 percent of the total investments according to recent industry reports. The massive power infrastructure development initiatives across the country provide a perfect backdrop for GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition. Slated on Oct. 19- 21 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel, the forum will serve as a centralized venue for regional and international industry players to tap into the world's largest energy market. The trade conference and exhibition will feature two main events: 5th GCC CIGRE International Conference and the 14th Exhibition for Electrical Equipments. The GCC CIGRE conference is held annually in different GCC countries and is considered by the Council as its most important event. Saudi Arabia was chosen this year because of its leadership in the power field. The GCC arm of CIGRE was established by the GCC Ministers of Electricity & Water in April 1985 to facilitate technological and technical information exchange among the region's member countries. Edward Rabbat, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said “the significant number of power projects in Saudi Arabia has helped boost demand for innovative products and services as well as technologies and expertise in renewable power resources. GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition creates an interesting business-to-business platform for suppliers, technology vendors, government and corporate decision-makers and other trade visitors to identify and discuss evolving challenges in the regional power industry, and at the same time cultivate collaborative efforts among all industry stakeholders.” One of the major highlights of the GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition is the inauguration of a 400kV GCC Interconnector Grid, which was commissioned during the summer. The project underscores the cooperation among GCC countries in addressing power challenges, particularly in terms of higher reliability and security of the integrated power systems. The conference and exhibition will gather around 500 international delegates who will discuss over 50 papers on electricity and energy.
