Gulf Eco 2013 to stress on energy efficiency

A sustainable energy policy is built on the twin foundations of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency essentially means using less energy to provide the same service through improved products or practices.

The International Energy Agency has estimated that the world's energy needs can be reduced by the year 2050 by one third through achieving increased energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation while at the same time curbing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy efficiency can be achieved within building design through the incorporation of modern appliances that use significantly less energy than older models, appliances with modern power management systems, advanced electronic heating and cooling systems, energy efficient windows, well sealed doors, additional thermal insulation of walls, basement slabs, and foundations, white roofing systems, natural lighting/ task lighting like compact fluorescent lights and lastly adoption of devices like smart meters for the purpose of monitoring energy usage.

Industries are now shifting towards the utilisation of energy efficient practices by incorporating advanced boilers and furnaces, electric motors with variable speed drives, motor coils made up of superconducting materials, better process control/ maintenance practices for pumps and compressors etc.

Traditional transportation is now giving way to new and improved cost effective strategies like the use of alternative fuels like biodiesel, hydrogen, non-fossil methane, non-fossil natural gas, vegetable oil, rather than conventional fuels ; or switching over to electric vehicles.

Organised by OITE Trade Fairs, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Gulf Eco 2013 will take place from 20th -22nd January, 2013 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, under the theme Clean Energy for Oman.