The Saudi Water & Power Forum 2009

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The Saudi Water and Power Forum will celebrate its fifth incarnation this year by focusing on the ever-increasing demand and abundant opportunities for investment in the upgrading and expansion of power and water services.

Among the keynote speakers are HE Abdullah Al-Hussayen, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Water & Electricity, HRH Prince Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Makkah Region and author and journalist Fred Pearce.

“‘This year we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Saudi Water and Power Forum,” said Dr Adil Bushnak, chairman, Bushnak Group, and chairman of the SWPF advisory committee.

“Led by the Ministry of Water & Electricity, the Forum grows in stature each year. More and more participants are able to benefit from the outstanding networking and business development opportunities that the event offers,” Bushnak added.

Programme topics include: strategies for sustainable and efficient production; plant upgrades; alternative energy sources; tariff policy, demand management and customer service; water re-use and environmental management; privatisation; decentralised production solutions; impact of the global financial crisis on the sector; and technology development and investment.

“For SETE Energy, the event is a reflection of our ongoing longevity and commitment to the Kingdom’s utilities sector, and a chance to show ourselves as a serious player in this market,” said Anthony Raftopoulous, business development director for SETE Energy Saudia.

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“There is a lot of overcapacity in terms of contractors in this sector, and we believe that from a competitive point of view, SWPF is a great opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff, allowing firms to decide which contractors can deliver on their promises and which cannot,” Raftopoulos added.

Around 130 exhibitors will be present at the event, and the organiser expect 2,500 professional visitors.

Firms that have already confirmed their attendance include ABB, ACWA Power International, Aggreko, GE Energy, Marafiq, Wartsila and WETICO.

“The SWPF represents the perfect opportunity for companies around the world to obtain an onsite update into Saudi Arabia’s massive power and water market,” a representative from a South-East government utilities agency, who wished to remain unnamed, told Utilities Middle East.

SWPF exhibition details

Where is it?
Jeddah Hilton, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
When is it?
The conference takes place on Monday, 12 October, 10.00-19.00 and Tuesday, 13 October, 10.00-18.00. The exhibition is from Sunday 11 October to Wednesday 14 October.
How do I apply?
The exhibition is free to attend for all trade professionals on presentation of a business card. Visitors can register online at www.ksawpf.com.

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