In addition, more than 500 local and international delegates attended the event to discuss around 57 papers on electricity and energy. GCC Power 2009 Conference sessions highlighted system planning, development & technical studies; system operation & control; power system protection; substations and HV equipment; power transformers; transmission lines and cables and electricity markets and generation development. Saudi Arabia has figured prominently in the marketing and expansion program of international energy firms as the country currently accounts for an estimated 50 per cent of the SAR 607.5 billion power projects being undertaken in the GCC.

Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi, Executive Secretary, GCC CIGRE said: "The GCC Regional Committee for Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) whose activities deal with issues pertaining to electrical generation and transmission, mainly aims to facilitate and promote the interchange of technical knowledge and information between GCC member states and related countries in the general field of electricity generation and transmission of high voltage. The organised conference expressed the committee's role through offering a platform for cooperation and sharing best practices among GCC countries to develop reliable, world-class power systems. Furthermore, the strong turnout clearly manifests the GCC's growing reputation as the world's largest energy market."

GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition showcased innovative services and products as well as a comprehensive presentation of renewable power resources. The event also offered pioneering technology solutions that will support an estimated SAR 187.5 billion worth of upcoming projects expected to be launched within the next few years until 2015.

GCC Power 2009 Conference and Exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Deputy Minister of Water & Electricity, Dr. Salih Bin Hussain Al-Awaji, at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Saudi Arabia. The event is owned by CIGRE, the International Council on Large Electric Systems, a leading global organisation in the field of high voltage electricity. CIGRE co-organised the event for the fifth consecutive year with IFP Qatar and Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC). Saudi Electric Company was the trade event's platinum sponsor.

The event included the 5^th GCC CIGRE International Conference and the 14th Exhibition for Electrical Equipments. The GCC CIGRE changes country venues annually, with Saudi Arabia hosting this year's version. The 2010 edition of GCC POWER conference & exhibition will be held in Doha - Qatar.  The GCC group of CIGRE was established by the GCC Ministers of Electricity & Water in April 1985 to promote regional technological and technical cooperation in the energy domain.

Global Arab Network