Multinationals target growth in Saudi Arabia's HVAC sector

Organised by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Water and Electricity, SAUDI HVAC CONFEX 2013 takes place from February 11-13 at the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.

Global consumer electronics leader Panasonic is targeting double-digit growth in Saudi Arabia with energy-efficient products it sees as ideal for tackling the Kingdom's alarming rate of electricity consumption.

"We are privileged to be part of the HVAC Confex 2013, which fills an important niche in the ventilation and air-conditioning sector and creates an ideal platform for government decision makers and industry leaders alike," said Hidekazu Tachibana, Director of the Consumer Electronics Department at Panasonic Middle East & Africa, silver sponsors of the new conference and exhibition.

"Our aim at Panasonic is to be the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry by 2018, the 100th anniversary of our company. But the key challenge is raising awareness of the importance of energy-saving products."

As much as 70 per cent of electricity consumption in Saudi Arabia goes on air conditioning, driven by population growth that is estimated to need more than 1.5 million new homes by 2015. Moreover, domestic energy demand is anticipated to double by 2030, further highlighting the critical need for effective energy efficiency strategies.

Tachibana added: "We're positive government and industry clients will be proud of the new products on show at SAUDI HVAC CONFEX, designed especially for the needs of the local consumer."

With the Gulf's HVAC sector expected to grow by as much as 10% per annum, according to the UK-based Building Services Research and Information Association, manufacturers are responding with increased innovation in air conditioning equipment, building systems integration, and building automation and energy management.

"The first SAUDI HVAC CONFEX offers a perfect platform for the industry to make the most out of the emerging opportunities in Saudi Arabia," said Mahmoud Ghubn, Business Development and Operations Director at International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC), organisers of the event. "As power demand continues to increase, urgent steps are needed to limit carbon emissions and ensure the efficient use of natural resources."

The opening ceremony of SAUDI HVAC CONFEX 2013 will be attended by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Water and Electricity, His Excellency Abdulah bin Abd-ur-Rahman Al-Hossein; Dr Taufiq bin Fozan Al-Rabia'ah, Minister of Commerce and Industry; His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and President of the National Programme of Energy Efficiency; and Dr Mohammed ibn Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

His Excellency Dr Saleh Al Awaji, Deputy Minister of Water and Electricity is a keynote speaker.

A total of 50 speakers from the government and private sector will address the conference, 38 of whom are already confirmed, and more than 30 local and international companies will take part in the exhibition, including LG Electronics, Samsung, Saudi Tabreed, and Abdul Latif Jameel. Around 500 industry delegates will attend the three-day event.

The Saudi HVAC CONFEX will also unveil an industry award recognising best practice in the sustainable heating and cooling sector.