Saudi Arabia accounts for around 50 per cent of the upcoming power projects in the region which is estimated to be worth around SR607.5 billion ($162 billion), said an expert citing recent industry reports.

The massive power infrastructure development initiatives across the Kingdom provide a perfect backdrop for the upcoming 'GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition,' in Riyadh to serve as a centralised venue for regional and international industry players to tap into the world's largest energy market.

GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition, which runs from October 19 to 21 at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel, is owned by CIGRE, the GCC Regional Committee for Large Electric Systems, a leading global organisation in the field of high voltage electricity.

For the fifth straight year, CIGRE is co-organising the event with IFP Qatar and Riyadh Exhibitions Company. Saudi Electric Company is also supporting the premier trade event as exclusive Platinum Sponsor.

'The significant number of power projects in Saudi Arabia has helped boost demand for innovative products and services as well as technologies and expertise in renewable power resources,' said Edward Rabbat, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

'The expo creates an interesting business-to-business platform for suppliers, technology vendors, government and corporate decision-makers and other trade visitors to identify and discuss evolving challenges in the regional power industry, and at the same time cultivate collaborative efforts among all industry stakeholders,' Rabbat said.

One of the major highlights of the exhibition is the inauguration of a 400kV GCC Interconnector Grid, which was commissioned during the summer. The project underscores the co-operation among GCC countries in addressing power challenges, particularly in terms of higher reliability and security of the integrated power systems.

The event will gather around 500 international delegates who will discuss over 50 papers on electricity and energy.

The conference will also hold dedicated sessions focusing on a wide range of topics, including system operation and control; system planning, development and technical studies; substations; reactive equipment; high voltage equipment; power transmission lines; HVDC and power electronics; and rotating electrical machines.

The trade conference and exhibition will feature two main events: 5th GCC CIGRE International Conference and the 14th Exhibition for Electrical Equipments.-TradeArabia News Service