Top experts in the field of solar energy will take part in a key initiative to be held in Saudi Arabia in October.

The Solar Arabia 2011 event will be held in Riyadh on Ocotber 23 and 24. The two days will see a range of industry experts discussing the future of Saudi Arabia in this field.

Government officials, policy makers, business conglomerates and potential investors are attending  the pioneering platform which is being co-organised by French business information group Naseba and King Saud University, Riyadh.

With a target to generate 5 GW of solar-generated power by the year 2020, the government is trying to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil and is investing at least $100 billion in clean energy over the next 10 years for the same, said a statement.

Senior officials representing the Ministry of Water and Electricity, as well as the Saudi Electricity Company have extended their support for the summit which will facilitate strategic discussions in order to help the Kingdom achieve its goal, it said.

In addition, leading global research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan has been announced as the ‘Official Growth Partner’ for the conference.

“The Middle East is seeing huge interest in investment in renewable energy, and Saudi Arabia’s true potential is yet to be realised. The Solar Arabia platform will allow leading players to contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s alternative energy sector,” Nic Watson, managing director of sales and marketing, Naseba.

Influential decision makers from prominent international solar energy companies are participating, and will showcase their technology and expertise. Those already confirmed as event sponsors include Alstom Power, Solairedirect, Sequel Power and Conergy.

Senior representatives from ABB Group and Naizak Global Engineering Systems are also attending, to gain an insight into the Saudi’s solar energy sector and how they can contribute to its development, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service