The consumption of power in the Middle East is probably one of the highest in the world today. Thus power and its sustenance methodologies are an imperative topic of discussion in the region. In keeping this as the focal point of their exhibition and conference, International Fairs & Promotions (IFP) Qatar and GCC CIGRE recently organized the 'GCC Power 2012' at the Shangri-La Muscat. 800 participants from the GCC and other parts of the world met to discuss the current trends, challenges, new technologies, and future opportunities in the power sector.
The event witnessed the participation of renowned industry names such as: Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW), Oman Electricity Transmission Company ( OETC ), Alstom, SEL Middle East BSC, Siemens LLC, Hyosung Corporation, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Dar Engineering, Dig Silent Gmbh, Kinectrics Inc., Maschine Fabrik Reinhausen, AP Sensing, K-Line Insulators Limited, M&I MaterialsLimited, Omicron Electronics, Techimp HQ, Megger, Atef Group of Companies, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa).
Products and services showcased included: Automation Systems, Distribution Services & Equipment, Electrical Meters, Protection Systems, Computer Systems, Control Equipment & Systems, Transformers, Consultancy Services, Education & Training, Engineering, Testing and Certification services to name a few.
Over the span of the three day event, 20 industry leaders shared their knowledge and experiences through keynote presentations and interactive panel discussions.
Eng. Thani Al-Khusaibi, Advisor for Transmission and Planning Affairs, OETC explained, "The Sultanate has always paid great attention to the electricity sector as it is one of the most important arteries of development needed by all other sectors. The 8th GCC – CIGRE International Conference and 17th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment, 'GCC Power 2012' Conference and Exhibition are part of the CIGRE's continuous efforts to develop the exchange of expert information and the latest technological solutions in the GCC."
Dave Spearman, General Manager of Parsons Brinckerhoff added, "With Oman becoming a popular tourist destination, it is the breeding ground for some of the mega-projects in the sector of Power Utilities and Infrastructure. These settings made Oman an ideal host to a platform like the 'GCC Power 2012', which focused on the future of power."
"Thanks to the GCC Power 2012, industry professionals in this sector can now better anticipate platforms that will open up in the near future. A whole new aspect to the power utilities sector incorporating key issues such as power, smart infrastructure, district cooling were discussed at the event," elucidated Dr. Ali Al Ghafri, Assistant to the Chairman of Electricity and Water for International Relations and Information, from PAEW.
Eng Sultan Al Rawahi, Head of Operational Planning from OETC said, "Part of the World Council for HV Electrical Power Systems based in Paris (France) the CIGRE committee attaches great importance to the promotion of scientific research in the area of electric power generation and distribution. CIGRE also pays special attention to the selection of the topics of conferences and seminars so as to contribute to addressing the problems associated with climatic and environment conditions in the GCC region. "
At the closing ceremony of the event, George Ayache, General Manager of IFP Qatar said, "The annual 'GCC Power' Conference and Exhibition ensures that each and every activity at the 'GCC Power 2012' has been thoughtfully conceptualized to achieve the general business objectives and optimize the participation of all. On behalf of my team I would like to thank all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and delegates, for coming together and making the three-day event so interesting and special."
ifpinfo
14 November
