Energy show highlights latest technology
The 16th International Trade Exhibition for Electricity Power Generation, Alternative Energy, Water Technology, Lighting and HVAC attracted over local and foreign exhibitors from 19 countries, and 7,150 visitors during its fourday run that ended yesterday at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC).
The participation of over 200 local and foreign energy companies provided a comprehensive technology showcase covering various energy sectors ranging from electricity generation and distribution to alternative and renewable energy technologies.
The visitors included business officials, engineers, managers, technicians, contractors, consultants, developers and investors from government agencies, power companies, construction and development companies, large industrial companies, power production companies, factory operators, service providers, distributors and retailers.
Bonny Gao, regional sales manager of Shuangliang eco-energy system in China, said: "The massive participation from different counties is expected to fulfil the recent requirements in the energy sector. The Saudi government plan toward tapping solar energy is also very helpful to meet the local demand."
An exhibitor from Egypt said: "This exhibition is not enough to engage the customers and exhibitors in an effective way. This year, fewer companies participated in the exhibition as compared to last year. The Kingdom needs to concentrate more on the energy sector."
Houssam S. Kabboul, senior engineer, sales and marketing, MEMF-ETA Switchgear Co. Saudi Arabia, said, "We were expecting more visitors in 2013 as compared to 2012, but this year the number of visitors is less as compared to the last two years. We hope more exhibitors and visitors will take part in the Saudi energy exhibition in 2014."
Local and international companies exhibited various products, including airconditioners, antique fittings, biofuels, cables and wirings, chandeliers, central units, cooling engineering, diagnostic equipment, display lighting, ducting systems, flood lighting, fluorescent lighting, generators, modern fittings, outdoor lighting, pipes, power station and protection, street lighting, security lighting, subsoil heat energy, ventilation system, water meters, water purification and water treatment.
The event addressed all the energy needs of the construction and development sectors, including large industrial and commercial projects, various infrastructure projects, buildings and housing.
Although, the Kingdom is planning to invest approximately $ 134 billion in power generation and water projects in the next decade, the government is also planning to invest $ 109 billion to produce 41 GW of solar energy by 2032.
The Kingdom's total productive capacity is expected to grow more than 120 gigawatts in 2030. Massive industrial development in the Kingdom is expected to bring the electricity demand in 2020 to 67,000 MW.
Overseas exhibitors came from Austria, Bahrain, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Taiwan and Thailand. There were national pavilions from China, Korea, Turkey, Romania and the UAE, aside from one from the Kingdom.