The integration of the nation electricity market through co-ordinated development of natural gas and electrical interconnections will yield economic benefits to the Arab world and in particular to the GCC countries, said experts at the GCC Power conference and exhibition 2014, which was held recently in Bahrain.

The event was organised by GCC regional committee for large electric systems (GCC Cigre) under the patronage of Bahrain Electricity and Water Authority (EWA).

Leading regional players in the power sector discussed ways to enhance the high sophisticated central pollution station by integrating the pollution data from GCC local stations.

The exhibition ended on a positive note with the participants recommending the monitoring of Extra high voltage (EHV) cables utilising the latest assessment techniques which helps proactively schedule any needed repairs before system fault happens.

The GCC Power 2014 declaration mentioned that the increased number of power outages emphasises the need for new dynamic security assessment system with possible integration with the existing supervisory control and data acquisition (Scada) and energy management system (EMS) systems.

The joint declaration also confirmed that advancement in system operations philosophies comes not only from new trends in technologies such as the wide area measurement system (Wams), but also by thinking out of the box and utilising the current assets and enhancing practice to produce the most the most optimal solutions, at lower costs and most effective performance.

GCC Power 2014 recommendations asserted on establishment of a reliable communication system to play a vital role in the management of power transmission and distribution networks, said the experts at the summit.

Smart applications can be achieved with modern reliable design of communication networks, they added.

Kamel Al-Shehabi, the head of local organising committee and board member of GCC Cigre, said: "The GCC Power conference and exhibition was a great success. Thanks to Bahrain excellent hosting and hospitality, the event is now considered one of the best power conventions held in the region."

Al-Shehabi said all attendees praised the scientific papers and case studies discussed during the three-day event, taking into consideration variation and focusing on vital subjects that tackles the power sector ongoing and future matters in the gulf region, and how to sustain the growth of this significant sector.

The third day's sessions put focus on the dynamic shunt compensation for power utility applications, reliability and maintainability of GCC interconnection HVDC Link, Features of developing the first underground substation in the Middle East, and inrush currents and their influence on the transformer differential relay.

The last session tackled switchgear and HV equipment, network requirements on switching capability of GIS, and vintage breaker replacement at oil and gas facilities.  

The closing session witnessed awarding the conference’s best three paper prizes.

Al-Shehabi said the GCC Power 2014 recommendations would be delivered to all attendees and the top officials in the GCC power sector to be implemented depending on the needs and requirements of each country.-TradeArabia News Service