Press Release Exhibitions News
Middle East North Africa Solar Market Expected to
Grow to 3.5 Gigawatts by 2015
Second edition of Solar Middle East returns to Dubai as regional solar
market gears up for growth
The Middle East and North Africa
over the world to showcase their prod-
"An increasing number of countries in
(MENA) solar energy sector is gearing
ucts to an audience of key decision
the Middle East are keen to invest in
up for significant growth with the
makers from across the region.
the region's thriving solar industry and
regional market for photovoltaics and
with renewable energy sources in
solar thermal power plants expected
Mathews said: "The MENA renewable
abundance ­ particularly solar power
to reach 3.5 gigawatts by 2015, an
energy market is expanding rapidly
­ the region is gradually tapping these
expert has said today.
with a diverse range of countries
resources to pave the way for a new
announcing projects to exploit the
market."
Anita Mathews, Director of Informa
region's abundant wealth of energy
Energy Group cited the Middle East
resources for economic growth and
Solar Middle East will feature a dedi-
and North Africa Outlook 2013-2017
energy expansion.
cated industry conference, address-
Report published by US-based
ing key challenges that the Middle
Greentech Media (GTM) Research,
"As of April 2013, there were 106
East region faces regarding harness-
which forecasts that solar energy is
renewable energy projects in the pipe-
ing the infinite resource and integrat-
expected to exceed a combined
line in the region, totaling over 7.5
ing it into regional power grids.
output of 10 GW in the region by 2017.
gigawatts of new electric generation
capacity.
This is in addition to 10
The exhibition and conference is offi-
A result of high solar irradiation, rising
major projects set to go ahead in the
c i a l l y
s u p p o r t e d
b y
D u b a i
electricity prices and an increasing
UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan
Municipality, Enpark, Middle East
population throughout the region,
and Morocco."
Solar Industry Association (MESIA),
Mathews said that the booming solar
S a u d i
A r a b i a
S o l a r
I n d u s t r y
landscape will further strengthen the
Mathews added that the majority of
Association (SASIA), Environmental
role of the second edition of Solar
demand for solar energy will originate
Center for Arab Towns, Global Solar
Middle East, taking place from 11-13
in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with the
Alliance, The Energy Institute (EI),
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4 a t t h e D u b a i
latter leading the way towards the
Clean Energy Business Council
International Exhibition Centre.
region's first gigawatt scale solar
(CEBC), Emirates Green Building
market by 2015.
Council (EGBC), TAITRA and Society
Organised by Informa Energy Group
of Engineers ­ UAE.
and running alongside the world's lead-
Commenting on investments in the
ing power event, Middle East
MENA renewable energy sector,
Solar Middle East is partnered with
Electricity, Solar Middle East provides
Mathews said: "This region is one of
Africa Electricity and Power Nigeria.
the ideal meeting place for solar indus-
the few in the world where renewable
For more information about Solar
try professionals from across the
energy investment seems to be
Middle East, or to be involved as an
globe.
weathering with new investments
exhibitor, visitor, sponsor, or delegate,
totaling US$ 2.9 billion in 2012, an
go to www.solarmiddleeast.ae or call:
The three-day event will bring together
increase of almost 40 per cent over
+971 (0)4 336 5161.
a notable line-up of exhibitors from all
2011.
26
Issue 71 December 2013
2013 71

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