Wetex conference by Naseba kicks off at 11th edition of Wetex

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, CEO and Managing Director of Dewa officially opened the conference, explaining that important topics will be discussed throughout the 2-day conference, leading to better awareness and understanding for the utilities business, energy, water, and environment sustainability.

Al Tayer reminded the senior management audience that the world's power consumption is forecasted to double by 2050 and will therefore add more burdens on the utilities worldwide, particularly in the Middle East region.

"Saving our precious energy and water resources and protecting the environment should not be mere wishful thinking. It should be the duty of everyone, policy-makers, service providers as well as end-users," Al Tayer said.

"Few easier ways to manage electricity and water resources will be the key subject for this conference while stressing on the usage of alternative energy sources such as nuclear and renewable. By using the resources, we can contribute significantly to reduce Global warming impacts on our environment," he added.

Fabien Faure, Group Managing Director of naseba, added that the utilities sector in the Middle East is a very dynamic market as the region continues on a considerable growth stage. A booming infrastructure market necessitates new solutions for the ever growing demand for energy and water across the region.

"Wetex Conference brings together industry experts, solution providers, governments and regulatory bodies to network, discuss, and analyze how the region can best continue on this growth path in light of the challenges we face. We support and commend the initiatives undertaken by Dewa and the Government of Dubai to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in light of global environment concerns," Faure said.

Today's conference Chairman, Jeffrey Merrifield, Senior Vice President at Shaw Power Group and Former Commissioner of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, commented on the current situation of the energy, "In the area of energy usage, the recent volatility in oil and gas prices have many power producers re-thinking what are the best methods of meeting energy demand over the next 5 to 20 years. Prior to the economic downturn, world power growth rates were averaging 4%, yet here in Dubai, energy consumption was growing at an annual rate of 15%."

"Abu Dhabi with a 10% growth rate, had the second highest growth rate in UAE, and I think it is fair to say the need for increased power is greater here than almost anywhere in the world. With its heavy reliance on natural gas and oil to provide this electricity production, Dubai, understandably is looking to conserve its existing energy resources and reap the greatest benefit from existing generation assets," Merrifield added.

Jeffrey Merrifield also explained that in countries such as the UAE, the utilization of solar power for energy production is an obvious choice for greater energy diversity and provides opportunities for both centralized and decentralized forms of solar power generation.

With the significant worldwide investment in solar power over the last 20 years, both the efficiency and cost of solar power has evolved to a point where investment in this technology not only brings environmental benefits but can also make economic sense.

Morning program featured the following industry-renowned speakers:

- Sebastian Nokes, Managing Partner, Aldersgate Partners

Mr Nokes explained that the energy crisis can be solved through correct energy usage and information. He insisted that information changes behavior.

- Ghassan Ejjeh, Former President and Director, International Desalination Association and Group Advisor & Director, Six Construct UAE and Besix Sanotec SA

Mr Ejjeh presented the topic 'Synergy of Water and Energy Integration' and concluded that integration of water and energy will provide better energy efficiency for all processes. Hybridisation, storage with DASR and WASR and, better match between power and water requirements, better use of existing assets, by integrating seawater scrubbing, chemical and mineral recovery, and generally innovations and new solutions, will lead to cheaper plants and better environment.

- Dr. Raik Jarjis, CEO, Oxford Knowledge Consultants and Chairman & CEO, Alphameta Ltd

Dr Jarjis explained that employing scientific knowledge for energy production and conservation in the 21st Century.

- Alejandro Daniel Saenz-Core, Renewable/Low Carbon Technologies Expert, Mott MacDonald

Mr Saenz-Core discussed other forms of low carbon technology applications that may be prime candidates for future exploitation and development.

The Wetex Conference will be taking place until Tuesday, 31st March afternoon at the Za'abeel Hall at the Dubai World Trade Center and will touch upon current issues such as the opportunities and risks of fuel in building new nuclear power plants, solar power, renewable desalination technologies, environmental management and control of water quality, just to name a few.