GE's smart grid technologies are integrated to strengthen operational efficiencies, enhance reliability and promote sustainable energy management helping the region to meet its energy goals
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; December 10, 2012: GE's Digital Energy business (GE:NYSE) is showcasing its advanced range of smart grid solutions at the Saudi Arabia Smart Grid 2012 exhibition and conference to be held from December 8 to 11, 2012, at InterContinental Jeddah.
Held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Bin Abdulrahman Al Hussein, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Water & Electricity, Saudi Arabia Smart Grid 2012 offers a strong platform for stakeholders in the energy sector to share the latest advances and knowledge in emerging technologies, with a focus on sustainable energy, smart power, grid integration and automation technologies, among others.
"GE, a long-term partner in supporting the energy sector of the Kingdom, has been focused on improving performance levels and promoting energy use efficiency through its newest technologies. Through our participation at Saudi Arabia Smart Grid as Platinum Sponsor, we aim to further engage with the public and private sector to share our competencies, particularly in developing integrated smart grid solutions," said Frank Ackland, General Manager, Middle East & Africa, of GE's Digital Energy business.
Ackland added: "Introducing technologies, such as modern smart grid solutions, can also contribute to meeting the growing demand for power in the Kingdom. Our innovative solutions that draw on integrating various sources of power, both traditional and renewable, also complement the Government's goal to further explore the potential of alternative energy sources."
At Saudi Arabia Smart Grid 2012, Digital Energy's Technical Marketing & Solutions Director Dr. Wajdi Ahmad, will participate as a key speaker presenting the importance of smart grid solutions for distribution system automation, and how GE can support the region's energy sector by promoting operational efficiency and power system reliability through an integrated, end-to-end smart grid framework.
According to estimates, at the current rate of growth in population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of about 2.2 percent, total general power generation has to grow at an annual rate of over 6 percent. It is projected that more than US$100 billion in fresh investments in the power sector is needed by 2020 to meet this growing demand. The Government has announced plans to strengthen power capacity by an additional 30,000 MW and also envisages generating 41,000 MW of solar power in the next two decades as part of this energy diversification initiative.
As part of its commitment to the Kingdom, GE is also training Saudi professionals through an agreement with the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation. Most recently, GE announced the setting up of an Innovation Center to be based in Dhahran Techno-Valley in the Eastern Province. The GE Innovation Center will focus on co-creating local solutions, with customers, universities and industry organizations, to address the Kingdom's priorities in driving cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, as well as sustainable and affordable healthcare solutions.
GE's approach to smart grid development covers the entire gamut of the industry from power generation optimization to renewable integration, distributed generation management, micro-grids, protection and control, grid diagnostics and visualization, reliability and demand forecasting, grid protection and asset management, among others. GE has already successfully implemented smart grids integrating various sources such as solar, wind and traditional energy in key global cities around the globe.
GE has been a major player in the Kingdom's energy sector for over eight decades. Today, with three offices and seven facilities, Saudi Arabia accounts for the largest GE workforce in the Middle East with over 1,000 employees driving the healthcare, transportation, power, oil & gas, water and aviation businesses. More than 500 GE turbines currently generate over 50 percent of Saudi's electricity, and the company's advanced technology supports the production of 150 million liters clean water daily, delivered to the country's remotest corners.
Kelly Home
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
[email protected]
+971 4 4507 600
Nivine William
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
[email protected]
+971 4 4507 600
Caroline Wehbeh
GE Communications Leader, North Africa
[email protected]
+971 4 429 6318