8th Arab Union of Electricity Conference Kicks Off in Riyadh Under Energy Ministry's Patronage
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy, the 8th General Conference of the Arab Union of Electricity commenced today in Riyadh.
The conference aims to strengthen Arab cooperation in electrical energy, address sector challenges, explore new opportunities, and showcase the latest technologies and sustainable solutions in power generation, transmission, and distribution.
In his opening remarks, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, Eng. Nasser Al-Qahtani, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support of the Kingdom's energy sector.
He praised Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman's guidance in the ministry's sponsorship of the conference, held in Riyadh for the first time, saying it advances Arab nations' shared goal of strengthening the electricity sector.
Al-Qahtani highlighted that hosting the conference in Riyadh reflects the ministry's commitment to developing Arab electrical systems in line with global advancements. He further explained that the Kingdom is currently implementing large-scale projects to enhance and expand the electricity sector's infrastructure, as part of Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives aim to achieve an optimal energy mix for electricity production, targeting 50% renewable energy and 50% natural gas by 2030. This strategic shift is expected to reduce production costs, displace more than one million barrels of oil equivalent per day, enhance electricity supply security, lower emissions, and increase local content.
Eng. Khaled Al-Ghamdi, Acting CEO of the Saudi Electricity Company and Chair of the Conference, emphasized that this year's event serves as a crucial platform for discussing the latest advancements in electrical energy. It also provides an opportunity to showcase innovations that contribute to improving infrastructure and enhancing the reliability of electrical grids across the Arab world.
The conference includes panel discussions, specialized workshops, and an exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in the energy sector.
In his opening speech, Arab Union of Electricity President Tarik Hamane underscored the event's role in exchanging expertise and strengthening regional energy integration. He highlighted member states' efforts to promote sustainability and improve energy efficiency.
Organized by the Arab Union of Electricity in partnership with the Saudi Electricity Company, the conference focuses on integrating renewable energy into Arab power grids, the impact of climate programs on networks, and the role of innovation, artificial intelligence, and big data in the sector. It also examines regulatory policies for regional electricity interconnection, drawing officials, experts, and industry specialists from across the Arab world.
