Programme announced for the Saudi Water and Power Forum

The Forum is now recognized as the industry's leading, must-attend event for all those interested in this dynamic sector.

Under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Makkah Region and led by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Water & Electricity, H.E. Abdullah Al-Hussayen, Minister of Water & Electricity, this year's programme has been developed in close consultation with leading industry figures from the Forum's Advisory Committee.

Key speakers include Saudi Government ministers, industry senior executives, representatives from international institutions, financiers and other stakeholders. The keynote address will be made by the internationally acclaimed author and journalist, Fred Pearce, who will discuss the challenges facing the sector from a global perspective.

Centered on the three key themes of change, innovation and sustainable development, this year the focus will be on the rapidly growing demand and abundant opportunities for investment in upgrading and expanding Saudi Arabia's power and water services. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about this exciting market and the strategies, policies and technologies that are driving growth.

Topics for discussion 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
• privatization
• decentralised production solutions.

There will be an important assessment of the impact on the sector from the global financial crisis.

The event is sponsored by industry leaders including AcwaPower International, GE, Marafiq, SIEMENS, Sete Energy Saudia, Wartsila, Wetico, Agbar, Veolia Water, Severn Trent Services, Kharafi National, OUTO KUMPO, CRA International, Trowers & Hamlins, Cadagua, Metito Berlinwasser, Pall Corporation and First Solar.

Running alongside the Forum is the internationally renowned exhibition where 130 local and foreign companies will be showcasing their products and services, to 2,500 visitors including primary decision-makers and key government officials.

During the course of the Forum there will be a number of seminars and workshops focusing on technology development and investment.

The Forum also holds an award ceremony to reward sustainable development and innovation.

Given its track-record and the continued interest in the Saudi power and water sector, this year promises to be even more successful for what has become the event to meet with the most influential players in the sector.