The 20th GCC – CIGRE International Conference and 30th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, “GCC POWER 2024” Conference & Exhibition, have opened in Manama, Bahrain focusing on the need to generate sustainable power. 

 

Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohamed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), top officials, dignitaries, industry leaders, speakers, panelists’, analysts and financial experts participated in the event. The three-day event gives participants the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the electricity and energy industry, as well as providing exhibitors with access to the most lucrative deals.

 

Mohamed said the main theme of the gathering is to provide sustainable electricity for all through the development of power system expertise globally. He urged the GCC region to play its role in producing sustainable energy and reducing carbon footprints. He said Bahrain stands at a moment, where growing energy demands, sustainability goals, and economic aspirations require a thoughtful, innovative approach in the energy sector.

 

Diversifying energy sources

During a session moderated by Dr Lawrence Jones, Senior Vice President for International Programmes at the Edison Electric Institute in the US, the President reviewed Bahrain’s plans to diversify energy sources, touching on the EWA’s efforts to implement the renewable energy transformation plan, which includes increasing the share of renewable energy by 20% by 2035, and reducing carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. 

 

Also discussed was the Authority’s gradual shift towards adopting advanced technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency in the energy sector, along with plans to replace old stations with more efficient stations. 

 

Ahmed Naser Al-Nasr, Chairman, GCC CIGRE, Board of Directors, in his keynote address noted that CIGRE operates in the world's foremost knowledge programme, spanning 16 domains of work encompassing all the core areas of the power system. “Across these domains 250+ Working Groups draw and build on practical expertise to solve existing and future challenges facing the power system.

 

“Our mission is to contribute to the betterment of power systems and electricity by enhancing the community of power system expertise and leading the most innovative global community for the sharing and development of electric power system expertise.”

 

Platform for dialogue

He emphasised the value of this forum as a platform for essential dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the energy sector. Highlighting the key priorities and challenges, he added that collaboration, grid resilience, and sustainable energy integration are the key to growth.

 

GCC CIGRE, Technical Committee Chairman Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim, said that GCC POWER 2024 promises to be an essential gathering for anyone involved in the electrical and energy industries. Exhibitors can look forward to connecting with a diverse audience and the potential for lucrative business opportunities, while attendees can enhance their knowledge through tutorials.

 

“We will also cover specialised topics such as transformer design, manufacturing, and performance, overhead lines and insulated cables, HVDC and FACTS technology, renewable and nuclear energy for the Gulf States, smart grids, and asset management for power systems.”--TradeArabia News Service