Solar Arabia Summit in Riyadh draws key industry players 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Leading business groups from across the Kingdom gathered at the 2nd Annual Solar Arabia Summit in Riyadh yesterday to network and meet prospective partners.

Speaking on the progression of the UAE's Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park, Mohammed Abdulkareem Al-Shamsi, senior analyst, research and development at DEWA (UAE), said the government has already allocated 48 sq km of land to develop solar parks in the country.

The aim "is to develop 10MW by 2013 and a 1GW plan to be achieved by 2030" - both made possible due to the vision and support of Sheikh Mommahed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai.

Organized by French business information group naseba, the second day of the summit also included a panel discussion moderated by Jan Holthuis, managing partner at HIL International Lawyers and Advisers.

Panelists include Mohammed Abdulkareem Al-Shamsi; Yousif Al Ali, general manager of the Shams Power Company; and David Heinhofer, chairman, Terra Nex Financial Engineering AG Switzerland, who discussed the barriers faced when developing a solar park.

Attending solar companies included Schneider Electric, AE Photonics, Martifer, Enel Green Power & Sharpe, Ravano and Energes.

Saudi Arabian businesses were represented by key figures from Saudi Aramco, Arab Economic Business Group, ACWA Power, Makkah Municipality and Saudi Electricity Company.