Conservation in key Mid East power show focus

New technology and systems from the Far East, USA and Europe will showcase at Middle East Electricity 2002, the region's premier exhibition and conference for the power and electricity industry, which will be held in Dubai next month.

Germany's IBC-Solar AG plans to put solar photovoltaic complete solutions in the show spotlight believing the Middle East will turn to alternative energy sources within the near future.

"The solar industry will boom in the region in the coming years, as part of a move towards renewable energy sources. We hope to be able to develop solar uses for use in the region's remote areas," said Udo Mohrstedt, General Manager, IBC-Solar.

The company, which will demonstrate a water pumping solar system on its stand, is so convinced of the potential that it's prepared to act as project funding advisors.

"We think that grid-connected PV-systems have a future in the region and we will help local public decision makers to set up financing schemes to promote their expansion," added Mohrstedt.

Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Alhakani Trading plans to introduce at the show South Korean Brushless Permanent Magnet (BPM) motor technology, which it claims can reduce power consumption of fans by up to 80%.

"We have introduced the technology to our fan factory in Jeddah," said Abdulrahman Al Hakbani, Director General, Al Hakbani Group. "Throughout this region governments and consumers are starting to demand energy saving technology."

Dubai's Jazeerah Al Dahab Trading LLC says it will launch a range of American light bulbs with a 100,000 hours lifetime.

"We recently tied up with Ledtronics Inc of the USA whose energy saving lamps consume about 20% of the power of conventional lamp technology while producing the same amount of light," explained S.J. Hasan of Jazeerah Al Dabah.

Another German company, Derek Goslar, which is considering setting up a Middle East distribution base, is to launch light fittings with electronic control gears, which it claims increases the product's lifetime by a factor of 30.

"Electronic control gears do not produce heat and so require less air conditioning, which means less power consumption," said company representative Christian Winters.

Over 600 companies from 37 countries are due to take part in Middle East Electricity, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 3-6. The show, which has first-time representation from Malaysia, will feature 11 national pavilions of which Germany will be the largest.

"As the region's industrial base expands due to economic diversification and the regional population continues on an upward trend there is no let up in power demand," said Sarah Woodbridge, Exhibitions Director, Power & Energy Division, IIR Exhibitions, which organises Middle East Electricity.

"The show will be an industry window to a range of alternative energy and power conservation technology, which could ultimately transform the regional sector.

"This year the show will feature its first dedicated water and environmental technology arena introduced specifically to cater to heightened regional demand for renewable energy sources."