The GCC's spiralling energy demand is expected to increase by up to 85 per cent in 2030 over 2008 levels, according to analysts.

The region is poised to make large-scale investments for energy projects, technologies and techniques in line with this surging demand, said the organisers of GCC Power 2010, the 8th Regional Conference for National Committees of CIGRE (the International Council on Large Electric Systems) in the Arab Countries and the 15th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, to be held from October 18 to 20, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha.

Development and expansion initiatives in the GCC's electricity sector have been attracting the attention of major international companies as the region undertakes some of the largest electricity projects in the world, including a recent $3.5 billion contract awarded for an electricity network expansion in Qatar, the organisers said.

GCC Power 2010 will cover all aspects of the production, transportation and distribution of electricity and will provide leading industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and specifiers direct access to project directors, GCC ministries, government bodies and a variety of high-level decision makers involved in the electricity sector.

'This is a crucial transition period for the GCC's electricity sector as increasing industrial activity and growing population continue to drain electricity supply levels. We are now witnessing large-scale development projects implemented all over the region to address the spiralling demand for electricity and it is our mission to help ensure the success and sustainability of these projects by promoting a healthy exchange of information and expertise in the field of electricity systems,' stated Thani Al Khusaibi, chairman, GCC CIGRE.

GCC Power 2010 is owned by GCC CIGRE, the GCC regional committee for large electricity systems.

GCC Power 2010 will host a special conference that will discuss development, technologies and techniques in system operation and control, system planning, development and technical studies, substations, power transformers and reactors, switchgear and HV equipment, transmission lines and cables, HVDC and power electronics, and emerging technologies.-TradeArabia News Service