The urgent need for significant investment in infrastructure and asset management to satisfy the growing demand for power and water in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region will be the focus of an upcoming summit in Abu Dhabi.

The Power-Gen Middle East (PGME) and WaterWorld Middle East (WWME) Conferences and Exhibition to run from October 12 to 14 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The significant gaps between water consumption and water production in the GCC region and the demand for a further diversified power supply mix across the Mena region, will be highlighted by white papers developed by Frost & Sullivan, a leading consulting firm.

About 43 per cent of the additional power capacity required to address the growing demand for power across Mena will be created by GCC countries, which demonstrates the need to find regional solutions to address stability and sustainability challenges associated with power supply, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Nigel Blackaby, event director of PGME, said: “Ensuring the local power and water supply will continue to fuel and support the region’s economy goes beyond making strategic investments.

“Maximising the potential of assets and a commitment to conservation are important components of an effective power and water management strategy.  As the host to these leading conferences, Abu Dhabi is well positioned to demonstrate its leadership towards stability and sustainability and to share best practices in support of regional goals with leaders and decision makers.”

Leaders and decision makers from more than 65 countries have been encouraged to attend the event with its proposed conference topics and the list of high calibre speakers.

The Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation will also host a forum during the conferences as part of the Russian government’s commitment to providing global energy security, developing international energy cooperation and ensuring sustainable economic development of the Mena region.

Tom Freyberg, conference director for WaterWorld Middle East, said: “The international presence at this year’s event is an acknowledgment of the potential of the regional marketplace from both an investment and leadership perspective.

“It also demonstrates a willingness to collectively tackle the challenges associated with rapidly growing demands for power and water. Delegates will be spoilt for choice with panels featuring industry technical experts and with access to recently published white papers and research.”

The joint exhibition, coinciding with the conference sessions, will showcase the latest equipment and technologies by regional and international exhibitors. - TradeArabia News Service