The annual Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (Wetex) has been transformed into a "strategic platform to launch new technologies and major projects that shape the scene of the energy sector around the world," organisers announced on Friday. 

This year's edition will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 4-6 under the umbrella of the 3rd Green Week. It also coincides with the first Dubai Solar Show and the third World Green Economy Summit (WGES). 

"Shifting the focus towards renewable energy solutions throughout the Gulf region and the world makes it imperative for decision-makers to stay abreast of developments in the energy sector, to utilise new technologies and solutions," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), and founder and chairman of Wetex. 

Al Tayer noted the fast-changing renewable energy landscape in the GCC. He said: "The Gulf region is actively investing in clean and renewable energy, which represents significant opportunities for companies specialised in renewable energy. 

"A recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) says that the UAE plans to generate 24 per cent of its power from clean energy by 2021. Similarly, Saudi Arabia plans to produce 9.5GW from sustainable sources by 2030. Qatar plans to produce 1.8GW of solar energy by 2020, while Bahrain plans to start increasing its capacity from sustainable solutions and Kuwait targets 15 per cent by 2030," he added. 

"The UAE in general and Dubai in particular, has determined the most effective and sustainable renewable energy solutions in the long term. Solar energy certainly presents itself as the major alternative to traditional energy as a sustainable renewable resource," added Al Tayer. 

He also noted that Dewa allocates a considerable budget every year to accelerate the adoption of green solutions, launch strategic projects in accordance with the independent power producer (IPP) to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors and diversify its sources. 

Wetex, organised under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dewa, attracts elite organisations and specialised energy companies from around the world. 

Many participants use Wetex to unveil ambitious goals and projects that make global companies compete to provide services, products and advanced solutions in response to the requirements of new projects.

Source: Khaleej Times