The upcoming Saudi Water and Power Forum (SWPF) will play a key role in uniting Saudi and global stakeholders to discuss the policies and strategies which will determine the future of power and water in the Kingdom, said a top official.

The forum, to be held from October 3 to 5 at the Jeddah Hilton, is being organized by the CWC Group, global experts in oil, gas, power, infrastructure and investment sectors, and the Bushnak Academy with the support of Saudi Ministry of Water and Electricity.

The event comes at an auspicious time for major stakeholders amid intense demand for the two commodities -water and power, said the organisers.

The three-day forum being held under the theme “Sustainable Prosperity through Knowledge, Innovation and Cooperation” will serve as a catalyst for change and innovation, said Abdullah Al-Hussayen, Minister of Water & Electricity.

“As it grows in stature each year, SWPF plays a key role in uniting Saudi and International stakeholders to discuss the policies and strategies, which will determine the future of Power and Water in Saudi Arabia,' Al-Hussayen said.

'At SWPF 2010, we look forward to the next generation of development and focus on how we can adapt to the changing market and achieve sustainable prosperity through knowledge, innovation and co-operation,' he added.

Highlighting the ministry's support for the forum, Dr Adil Bushnak, chairman of Bushnak Academy and head of SWPF’s Organizing Committee, said the forum is considered to be one of the most significant scientific gatherings to be held in the Kingdom.

He pointed out that SWPF reflects the Kingdom’s continuous strides towards the sustainable development of the power and water sectors.

“SWPF is the event where policies and strategies are laid down to determine the future of power and water in the Kingdom on the one hand and guide investors in accomplishing their objectives on the other,” he remarked.

SWPF’s program for this year will address a wide spectrum of topics including policies, projects & prospects for a sustainable future, initiatives to support innovation in the field, realizing the potential of technology, renewable energy opportunities and solutions, energy conservation and demand management, water resource management, financial tools for technology development, produced water: waste or resource in addition to consumer relations.

Besides Al-Hussayen, the keynote speakers will include Prince Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Makkah region; Loay Al-Musallam, CEO of National Water Company; Dr Hashim Abdullah Yamani, governor of King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy, Dr Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, president of Arab Water Council & former minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, Egypt; Prince Dr Turki bin Saud bin Mohammad Al Saud, vice president of KACST; Fehied Fahad AlShareef, governor of SWCC; Steve Bolze, president & CEO of Power & Water, GE and Mohammad Abunayyan, chairman of Acwa Power International.

The three-day international exhibition and strategic forum kicks off on October 3 and includes the prestigious SWPF Award gala dinner on the opening day. Technical workshops will also be held at the forum. Moreover, visit to KAUST site and NWC water day are also part of the program.

A new tieup with Al Aghar, an independent non-profit think-tank in the Kingdom, will also be announced at the SWPF 2010, said Bushnak.

The partnership will come up with a study and recommendations on how Saudi Arabia can become a leader in knowledge and innovator in power, water and renewable energy, he added.-TradeArabia News Service