JEDDAH — Rapidly growing population growth and a sustained development boom in Saudi Arabia have resulted in unprecedented demand for effective and efficient power and water supply. With new power stations and desalination plants in high demand, operators in the Kingdom enjoy some of the highest annual growth rates in the world, with strong profit margins for efficient companies. Additional power generation capacity is planned and privatization in the sector will also create attractive investment opportunities. Against this backdrop, the 10th edition of the three-day Saudi Water and Power Forum (SWPF) will kick off in Riyadh on Jan. 12 which will focus, among others, on the government stakeholders' plans and priorities with regards to the key sector. According to a ranking executive of CWC Group, one of the knowledge partners in the upcoming SWPF event, national action plans and programs on achieving and sustaining water-energy-food-security nexus are to be threshed out. The London-based CWC is a twice winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise, with an impressive 15-year track-record in delivering oil, gas and energy events & training globally, that focus on water management, oil & gas exploration, among others. Asked about its vision for the sector in the next 10 years, he forecast that decentralization will take place aimed at sustainability and job creation at the same time. He noted that knowledge economy will drive the sector forward through intensified desalination projects, thereby further strengthening the national growth. Moreover, privatization, unbundling and a pro-investment climate are making the sector more friendly to the private sector. A majority of planned capacity increases will come from private investors. Regarding CWC's role to effectively tackle the creeping shortage and ever-rising demand for water and electricity in the Kingdom, the executive said “our company's vision is to play a leading role in the development of key oil, gas and energy markets, and to work closely with the major players in the industry – both governments and corporates. By organizing high-level strategic conferences, and ensuring all of the key stakeholders are in attendance, we will create a forum for discussion and debate that will hopefully contribute to solving these growing concerns.” He stressed the company's commitment to help Saudi Arabia attain stability and sustainability in water and power supply as demonstrated by its “10-year track record of delivering the Saudi Water & Power Forum.” The “10th Year Anniversary Edition” will focus on achievements attained in the past 10 years for both the water and power sectors, the SWPF said. — SG
