Leading engineering and air conditioning experts will discuss collaboration opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the European Union on HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) standards, certification and labelling at an upcoming industry event in Jeddah.

The high-level "EU - Saudi Arabia Energy Efficiency Meeting," will be held at Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events and is set to draw key decision-makers and experts from both the European Union and Saudi Arabia.

The event, organised in partnership with dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa and Eurovent ME, is being held in conjunction with HVACR Expo Saudi, the largest dedicated indoor climate and refrigeration event in the kingdom, which runs from January 14 to 16.

The meeting will kick off on the opening day of HVACR Expo Saudi under the initiative of the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network and the European Union Delegation to Saudi Arabia, with the participation of Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and other Saudi entities.

Bringing together Saudi and European experts and decision-makers, the summit is expected to play a fundamental role in helping preserve the kingdom’s wealth of energy resources and strengthen the national economy complementing the Saudi National energy efficiency program.

Today, Saudi Arabia relies on liquid petroleum for approximately 60 per cent of its electricity generation. Increase in electricity demand boosted by population growth and rising living standards is affecting the country’s oil export volume and earnings.

With more than 70 per cent of Saudi’s electricity being consumed for air-conditioning and cooling, energy-efficient HVACR solutions are key to achieve national growth in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Confirming the Saso participation, Abdullah Al Gahtani, the vice governor of the standards and laboratories, said: "We are glad to be part of this key initiative in Saudi Arabia, which will contribute in elevating the standards and the quality of HVACR products in the country, finally strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy going along with the Saudi national energy efficiency program."

Michele Cervone D'urso, ambassador of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, pointed out that energy has been and still is the major pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy.

"The European Union, which has recently set out a new 30 per cent energy efficiency target by 2030, is glad to share know-how and collaborate with the kingdom on such a strategic subject matter to support economic development in Saudi Arabia and foster a more sustainable future," he noted.

Frank Wouters, the director of the EU-GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, said: "The event is an excellent opportunity to meet key stakeholders and discuss co-operation on energy efficiency matters in the HVAC-R sector. It is our mission to foster clean energy partnerships between EU and GCC entities, and the meeting will facilitate the dialogue on energy efficiency."

Markus Lattner, the director of Eurovent Middle East, one of the largest cross-regional industry committees of its kind, said: "We look forward to sharing our expertise in HVAC technologies at the meeting, to promote energy-efficient and sustainable solutions improving the life quality of the people in the Middle East."

A major platform for industry professionals, HVACR Expo Saudi is ideal to network, do business and discover new technologies and trends. It brings together the most innovative HVAC-R solutions and equipment from local and international manufacturers.

Nathan Waugh, the portfolio event director at dmg events, said: "As a leading exhibitions organising company, our aim is to advance the HVACR industry, promoting best practices and innovative solutions."

"We trust that this efficiency meeting will initiate a beneficial dialogue and co-operation on energy efficiency matters supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision and sustainable economic development," he added.-TradeArabia News Service