The GCC could save between $55 billion and $87 billion by 2030 when switching to renewable energy, according The BNC Network, the  research partner of The Big 5 Solar 2017, a major event dedicated to driving a solar powered world.

The Big 5 Solar, running from November 26 to 29 under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy at Dubai World Trade Centre, will feature the third edition of the Global Solar Leader’s Summit and 12 CPD certified Solar Talks.

According to the “GCC Solar Market Overview” report by BNC Network, research partner for the event, a key driver for the developing solar market is an increasing focus upon energy diversification strategies which seek to supply a population surge in the region.

Large-scale projects such as the Makkah Solar Power Plant in Saudi Arabia ($640 million), and the 1,177 megawatt Solar Photovoltaic Plant in the UAE ($872 million), signify an upward trajectory in the GCC solar market in particular and lead the way for improved clean energy strategies and advancements in solar technology.

The GCC Solar Market Overview report reveals that by 2020 the GCC energy sector will witness an estimated $50 billion in new project investments in a bid to increase local power generation capabilities. An estimated 60 per cent of the land area in the region offers “excellent suitability” for solar PV development, and as a result the renewable energy sector in particular is expected to make up a significant share of new construction projects.

Looking forward, the report forecast that improvements in integrated solar technology will bring down the cost of solar power and allow for a broader and more popular application of clean energy. Furthermore, market growth can be sustained by favourable legislation like the Shams Dubai initiative, which in 2015 called for the installation of solar panels on every rooftop in Dubai by 2030 and set an example to other GCC governments.

Being one of the first projects to enable the involvement of private companies, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is encouraging the private sector to move further into renewable energy, adding even more momentum to the industry.  

Josine Heijmans, portfolio director for The Big 5 Solar said: “The GCC solar energy market continues to grow with the launch of projects dedicated to building energy capabilities in the region. Adding that the GCC has some of the lowest solar tariffs in the world, demand is rising for the range of innovative products and solutions that will be showcased at The Big 5 Solar next month.”

Under the patronage of The Ministry of Energy and set to become a premier platform for solar professionals to network and do business in the Middle East, The Big 5 Solar 2017 (November 26-29 at Dubai World Trade Centre) pursues the escalating demand drivers in the GCC market by showcasing solar technologies and offering insightful discourse on industry development.

The event will feature 12 free-to-attend CPD certified Solar Talks covering topics such as the connection between solar and construction, the impact of VAT on the solar industry, and the role of small and medium enterprises in developing the solar industry.

A prominent apex to the exhibition will be the third edition of the Global Solar Leaders Summit (GSLS), the only established high level summit in the Middle East focusing on the highlighting the global vision on renewable energy. It will offer lively debates, clear business-relevant focus groups and a very high degree of interaction.

The GSLS will be opened by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy Dr Matar Al Neyadi.

Other keynote speakers at the summit include Dr Rashid Alleem, chairman of Sharjah Water and Electricity Authority, Dr Nasser Saidi, chairman of the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) and Browning Rockwell, founding and executive director of SASIA & Solar GCC Alliance.

Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, The Big 5 Solar 2017 will be co-located with The Big 5 – the largest, most influential and renowned construction industry event in the Middle East.- TradeArabia News Service