Ameet Shah, a pioneer in renewable energy projects, will be a key speaker at the upcoming Gulf Industry Forum, being organised by The North Star Associates in partnership with Bahrain-based Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE).

Shah is the co-chairman and director of Astonfield Renewable Resources, a US-based Company specialising in developing renewable energy power stations in emerging nations such as India.

The Astonfield Group specialises in photo-voltaic and biomass technologies to produce power with technology partners such as SunEdison (solar photovoltaic), Areva and Clarke (biomass), Veolia (solid waste to energy) and Clarke and Capstone (biogas).

The forum, dedicated to the Gulf’s industrial sector, will take place on January 12, 2010, the first day of the annual Gulf Industry Fair (GIF), being hosted by HCE at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Manama from January 12 to 14.

The industry pioneer will address delegates on the subject of  ‘Renewable Energy Supporting Industrial Growth’ on January 12, said the event organisers.

Speaking of his attendance at Gulf Industry Forum, Shah said: “Astonfield views Bahrain and its neighbours as potential partners in the creation of renewable energy alternatives to power economic growth in developing economies.

"Our renewable plants may be small but they are highly profitable. For example a 10 MW solar facility will generate $6.4 million top-line revenues and a 10 MW biomass facility will generate $6.34 million top-line revenues, representing excellent returns on capital," he explained.

Ahmed Suleiman, managing director of North Star Associates, said: “Ameet Shah is a renewable energy pioneer and we are grateful that he will share his insight, skills and knowledge with delegates. His attendance confirms the Forum’s promise to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the Gulf’s industrial sector.”

Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of HCE, said: “This demonstrates clearly the ability of the Forum and Fair to bring together in Bahrain high level decision makers and business strategists from exciting next-generation industries such as renewable energy.”-TradeArabia News Service