More than 2,500 attendees from over 65 countries and over 100 high-level regional and international chairs and speakers participated at the recently held Power-Gen Middle East Conference and Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The 13th edition of the event addressed key issues affecting the region’s electricity market, through providing pioneering and practical solutions to expand energy efficiency, technological excellence and implementation of smart solutions tailored to the Middle East’s power industry.

Feraye Gurel, event director, said: “PGME 2015 has set an ideal platform for regional and international power sector leaders to design and implement the course of power and electricity for 2015 and beyond.”

“In addition, the UAE has proven to be a regional pioneer in sustainable development and in addressing the challenges of ensuring energy, water and food security. Leading events such as PGME serve as a testament to its commitment to smart technologies and energy mix options including renewables and clean energy from solar energy as well as serving as a crucial global platform for cooperation and strategic partnerships.

“We look forward to welcoming back this year’s participants and other industry leaders in search of investment opportunities and looking ahead to delivering growth and value to the regional dialogue.” she added.

Fergus Lavers from Ansaldo Energia said “As Ansaldo group, Power-Gen events worldwide are very important for us, particularly Power-Gen Middle East due to our presence locally. It serves as the ideal event for us to meet potential customers and enhance our relationship with existing ones.”

Power industry professionals were invited to take part in a technical tour at one of the world’s most sustainable eco-neighbourhoods, Masdar City. Guided tours included the ‘Undercroft Laboratories’, which involved a viewing of the micro nano fabrication facility in addition to the microscopy lab and the materials testing lab.

Attendees were also invited to explore the city’s alleys and public spaces which included a briefing about Masdar’s sustainable building methodology and viewing of the key architectural elements.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Masdar CEO, said: “Masdar is proud to have served as the sustainability partner of PGME 2015. Our partnership with the region’s foremost conference dedicated to designing and implementing the future of power generation reinforces our commitment to making access to energy worldwide a reality.”

“Masdar represents the embodiment of the UAE’s commitment to advancing safe, clean and secure energy. We continue to collaborate with local, regional and global partners to forward the sustainable energy agenda worldwide, and our cooperation with the conference further advances to our mission of driving greater dialogue on future energy,” he added.

The Conference and Exhibition will return again to Abu Dhabi from 26-28 March 2017 to encourage further discussion around best managing the region’s power resources, and to build on the success of this year’s event.

Power-Gen Middle East 2015 is owned and managed by US-based PennWell Corporation, a business-to-business media and information company. – TradeArabia News Service