GulfSol, to take place 3-5 September 2013 at the DWTC, will be addressing the demands of solar power in the MENA region, where several ‘Gulf monarchies’ are starting to set goals to cut back on consuming the hydrocarbons they produce in favour of sustainable, climate-friendly energy sources.
Solar power in the Middle East seems simultaneously logical with sun-scorched deserts everywhere, and illogical, all that oil, at the same time.
But several of the “Gulf monarchies,” all major contributors to the world’s oil supplies, are starting to set goals to cut back on consuming the hydrocarbons they produce in favour of sustainable, climate-friendly energy sources.
Abu Dhabi has a goal of getting 7% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and the state owned renewable energy company, Masdar, is reportedly set to announce that it will invest ‘up to GBP 1 billion’ in alternative energy schemes alongside the UK’s Green Investment Bank (GIB). Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer, is even more ambitious. The Saudi government hopes to just about double its installed electricity capacity by building 54 gigawatts of renewable energy (as well as 17.6 GW of nuclear power) by 2032, of which 41 GW will come from the sun. Qatar is also turning to renewables, with a plan on the table to get 10% of the electricity and energy used in water desalination from solar by 2018. Kuwait, too, has ambitions for 10% renewables by 2020.
To meet the goals that the UAE have set means expertise will be needed from the international solar power industry to deal with the difficulties involved in desert construction including dust, high winds and transmission requirements.
To address this demand, GulfSol will be taking place 3-5 September 2013 at the DWTC.
“It is apparent that whilst the solar industry in other areas is struggling, right across MENA, the opportunities for companies to get themselves involved with the wealth of opportunities that are presenting themselves. Right now, nothing is hotter for solar than the Middle East,” said Derek Burston, exhibition manager of GulfSol 2013.
“This is why there has been a surge in space reservations at this year’s inaugural GulfSol exhibition. As the only truly dedicated solar and PV show, the exhibition provides the perfect opportunity for companies to present themselves to a high quality visitor base over a three day period,”
For more information on taking part in GulfSol 2013, contact Derek Burston on dburston@bowheadmedia.com or Ben Richardson on brichardson@bowheadmedia.com, and for registration, go to: www.confexsys.com/sol.
For more information on the event go to: www.gulfsol.com.