Power-Gen Conference Opens February 4 in Doha 

(MENAFN - Qatar News Agency) Over 100 speakers from 20 countries and companies will be in attendance at the 11th annual Middle East Power-Gen Electricity and Water Conference to be held from February 4 to 6 at the Qatar National Convention Centre here.

Experts, decision-makers and industry leaders will mull key issues like planning, distribution and renewable sources of energy pertaining to local and international market at the three-day conference organized by Pennell Group.

Speaking at a media conference Wednesday, Kahramaa, Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) Public and Investor Relations Director Rashid Al Hajri said, "Utilities services are critical in the development of a nation's economy. Kahramaa has been contributing to the overall progress of Qatar and this is reaffirmed by growth in its revenues and profits disbursed every year."

QEWC is committed to fulfill the country's demand for power and desalinated water, he said and added that the platinum sponsors, for the third consecutive year, of the conference will be once again participating in the conference to learn the latest development in the industry to enhance production efficiency.

Al Hajri reiterated the importance of conference which gives a platform to all stake holders to discuss issues concerning desalination, wastewater treatment and the environmental challenges facing the power and water sectors and push for innovative solutions.

He also said the QEWC's approach is in consonance with the State of Qatar's policy that encourages private sector investments outside the domestic market as per the decisions of the company's Board of Directors.

The GCC countries are projected to invest more than 300 Billion in some 20 energy projects by 2020 to meet the estimated 6 to 10% annual surge in demand for power, which is around 8 GW of additional capacity, according to Power-Gen conference organizers.