The regional electricity network currently servicing the 4 GCC countries of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will play a key role in meeting demand for an additional 55,000 MW of power through 2015. The Phase I of the grid which was launched during the H2 of 2009 has already been completed. The UAE could be added to the network within 2010.

The transnational system might still not be enough to keep pace with the Gulf’s rapidly growing power consumption. Although ongoing regional capacity is at around 75,000 MW, a projected 9.5% growth in annual demand will require more electricity and energy projects. GCC Power 2010, the 8th Regional Conference for National Committees of CIGRE in the Arab Countries and the 15th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment to be held from October 18th to 20th 2010 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha, Qatar, will reveal business and partnership opportunities driven by the region’s huge power demand.

Mr George Ayache GM of IFP Qatar, organizer of GCC Power 2010 said that “GCC Power 2010 is the only event capable of providing a comprehensive view of the latest developments in electricity and energy affecting the Gulf region. It will combine panel and technical sessions with international exhibitions to offer a full range of information and options to industry and government decision makers. The event will also share valuable insights on Qatar’s thriving energy business, which has emerged as one of the country’s primary growth sectors.”

Energy is among the industries that will benefit from the Qatar Government’s USD 140 billion 2010 budget for investment, infrastructure and business expansion. Qatar is already set to become the world’s single largest producer of liquefied natural gas and produce 77 million tonnes of the product per year. GCC Power 2010 will thus serve as a major entry point for regional and international power investors and companies interested in doing business with Qatar.

The GCC Power 2010 Conference will discuss development, technologies and techniques in System Operation and Control, System Planning, Development and Technical Studies, Substations, Power Transformers and Reactors, Switchgear and HV Equipment, Transmission Lines and Cables, HVDC and Power Electronics and Emerging Technologies. The accompanying exhibition will welcome trade visitors from the GCC, Europe and the US.

(Sourced from Menareport.com)