H.R.H. Prince Misha'al Bin Majed Bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jeddah, inaugurates SWPF 2012

SWPF is endorsed by the Saudi Ministry of Water & Electricity and supported by Moya Busnak, who in partnership with and the CWC Group develops this industry specific event.

"SWPF will take a fresh look at the opportunities for participation and will focus on how we can work together to meet growing demand for more efficient use and sustainable water and power," said H.E. Abdullah Al Hussayen, Minister of Water & Electricity.

HRH Prince Misha'al Bin Majed presented the prestigious SWPF Award for Innovation and the Marafiq Award for Sustainability. The opening ceremony concluded with the Exclusive Gala Dinner, hosted by the SWPF Principle Sponsor- ACWA Power.

Distinguished speakers include: Christopher Gasson, Publisher, Global Water Intelligence; Dr Naïf Al-Abbadi, Director General, Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC); Dr Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Shaikh, Deputy Governor for Planning & Development, SWCC; Thamer Al-Sharhan, President & CEO, Marafiq; Eng Fahad Al-Hussain, CEO, Taqnia; Paddy Padmanathan, President & CEO, ACWA Power; Olivier Brousse, CEO, Saur; Yasser Joharji, Managing Director, Unilever KSA.

The Forum & Exhibition, taking place this week on 2-4 December will highlight the Saudi government's reforms and programmes in these infrastructural sectors as well as covering topics: water re-use; renewable energy; efficiency opportunities; tariff reform; water and power cogeneration; policy updates; technology and innovation; talent management; and membrane technology.

One of the main focuses of this year's Forum is discussions on renewable energy as a competitive and sustainable option for Saudi Arabia. KA-CARE will highlight the opportunities to unleash potential and maximise the value of renewables.

They will furthermore, present on the economic impact this will have on the industry and what makes Saudi Arabia an attractive investment for service and technology providers in the renewable energy sector. Significant players in the renewables market such as ACWA Power, who recently signed the Power Purchase Agreement for the largest Solar CSP IPP in the world in Morocco, will also be available to provide insight into the potential of renewables in Saudi Arabia.

The highly prestigious SWPF is celebrating 8 years of excellence and is recognised in the industry for being exceptional for its support and endorsement from key government bodies, leading industry figures and companies.

The Forum and Exhibition provides unrivalled opportunities to network with the most influential people in the industry and unique insights into solutions and possibilities for doing business.