01 March 2018

With the value of the smart grid market projected to grow to $1.68 billion over the next eight years, the focus will be on grid optimisation at the Middle East Electricity (MEE), which runs from March 6 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The growth will come from increased deployment of smart grid infrastructure by GCC governments, according to the ‘GCC Power Market’ report produced for MEE by Ventures Onsite.

This is already driving the energy industry’s interest and exhibitor commitments for the key event, which is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler, and is hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy.

According to the report, there are major opportunities for smart grid technology providers as the UAE leads regional moves to integrate renewable energy sources and projects into domestic grids.

“Dubai is already being held up as a smart grid pioneer, particularly since its investment in Shams Dubai, the emirate’s first smart initiative to connect solar energy to buildings as part of its Distributed Renewable Resources Generation programme,” said Anita Mathews, group director – industrial portfolio at Informa Exhibitions, the event organiser.

“Another major market boost will come from Saudi Arabia’s plans for the Neom mega city, the first phase of which is due in 2025 and which is set to become a test case for a zero-energy mega-city.”

The MEE 2018 will see the participation of more than 1,500 exhibitors from 66 countries and 24 dedicated country pavilions.

“Middle East Electricity has long been a bellwether for the regional industry and participation this year reflects how government policy planners are prioritising energy sector innovation, specifically in terms of cost efficiency and how it is now driving industry operators and their supply networks,” said Mathews.

Smart grids will also be in the spotlight at the Global Smart Energy Summit (GSES), which will debut alongside Middle East Electricity 2018. The summit will hear from Dutch energy distribution veteran Marko Kruithof on how to optimise smart grids to reduce peak load and operating costs, and defer new power grid investment.

“As a senior manager in sustainability and renewal at Dutch energy grid operator Stedin and the current chair of the Dutch Power Foundation, Marko is one of the global industry’s most respected players,” said Ryan O’Donnell, GSES’ programme director.

Further sessions and speakers will debate and share insight on all sectors impacting smart grid advancement, including the proliferation of solar, in a thought-provoking agenda which will signal the way forward for the industry.

The 2018 show will also debut a dedicated Energy Storage and Management Solutions segment alongside its four other specialised show sectors: Transmission and Distribution, Power Generation and Lighting stalwarts, as well as Solar, which becomes a dedicated sector after six years as a co-located event.

Among the exhibitors at MEE, Cummins will showcase its latest Q series gensets at the event. This represents a major advantage for Tier 4 Final and Stage IV equipment installations by restoring the envelope size of the QSM11 predecessor used for Tier 3 and Stage IIIA applications.

“This will give Cummins a true prime-power capability, based on both an emissions-optimised and a fuel-optimised variant. It even has the capability to run parallel with both other gensets and grids,” said Alok Joshi, Cummins Power Generation, director, Africa and Middle East.

• Big names at Trio of expos
• Index points way to design excellence
• Electricity expo to focus on smart grids
• Rail opportunities in focus

Tags

Riyadh Fire Protection The Big 5 Heavy German Expertise Drainage & Sewerage Excavators Cement Industry Ground Engineering Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Diary of Events Legally Bound Real Estate Contractors Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.