Serious issues linked to power generation and water desalination in the Gulf’s most populous state will come to the fore at the Saudi Water & Power Forum 2008 which convenes at the Jeddah Hilton from November 1- 4.

Discussions will include investments for expanding capacities at power and water plants, technologies and environmental aspects relevant to the two sectors.
Alternative sources of energy are likely to attract interest considering that the region is making headway in this area. The use of coal instead of conventional methods of power generation will also have a look-in.
Professionals related to consultancy, environmental management, eco-auditing, financing, analysis laboratories, research institutes, water and sewage and refuse disposal and recycling will be among the speakers or the audience.
The theme for 2008 is “Change, Innovation and Sustainable Development.”
Topics to be discussed at the forum will include: The International Experience in Water and Power Privatisation; The Impact of Tariff Policy on Utilities; Achieving Sustainability through Innovation; Fuel and Sustainability; Update on Saudi Policies, Strategies and Projects; The Saudi Arabian Electricity Sector - New Opportunities for Investment; Water Re-Use and Wastewater Management; Alternative Contract Forms.
“The Saudi Water & Power Forum exhibition represents a challenge on a scale unknown anywhere else in the world and the Saudi Arabian government has undertaken an ambitious programme of reforms in this sector,” a statement from the organisers CW2 Associates Limited said.   
Profiles for exhibits include irrigation, water reclamation, water storage reservoirs, water purification, desalination plants, water management and distribution networks, water testing equipment, water treatment chemicals, water temperature controls, pumps and filters, water meters, drainage systems, pipes and fittings, effluent water treatment, garden hoses and accessories, swimming pools, pool filters and linings.
“SWPF is firmly established as the annual meeting-place for the Saudi water and power industry.  Led by the Ministry of Water & Electricity, SWPF is recognised as the perfect forum to meet and do business with leading decision-makers, innovators and international peers,” the organisers said.
“Building on last year’s success, SWPF 2008 is dedicated to companies and investors aiming to capitalise on additional 30 GW of power generating capacity targeted by Saudi Arabia’s Water and Electricity Ministry for 2020. This figure will double the current installed capacity of 29.1 GW at a cost of an estimated $90-100 billion.
“In addition, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Saline Water Conversion Corp (SWCC) has estimated that through 2020, the country will need to spend $50 billion on water projects, many integrated with new power generation capacity, in order to meet the kingdom’s equally rapidly growing water demand.
“During this crucial period of transformation and growth SWPF 2008 will take a fresh look at the huge potential for investment and focus on how the water and power industry can take the next vital steps towards a successful and sustainable future.”
Currently, water produced by desalination plants is 3 million cu m per day. Marafiq estimates that $53 billion is needed for future desalination projects.
An investment of $100 billion is required for water and sanitation over the next 20 years. Eight per cent of water supply is met through groundwater sources. Thirty seven per cent of water supply is collected as wastewater and only 16 per cent is reused.
The current electricity generating capacity is 26.6 gigawatts (all thermal) and power demand grows by 5.5 per cent annually.
Some $117 billion in capital investment is required to increase the capacity to 67 MW per year by 2023. As much as 46.9 per cent of the investment is needed for power generation and $8.5 billion of investment is needed for transmission. Distribution projects require $18.9 billion of investment
The 2008 Saudi  Water & Power Forum will bring together over 500 top-level Saudi and international delegates to discuss the requirements for investment in the kingdom’s water and power sectors.
“This unique forum has been developed in partnership with the 2008 advisory committee of government and industry advisors to offer an interactive and highly informative experience for all attendees. Throughout the three days there be will plenty of networking sessions for local and international delegates to discuss future trends and exchange ideas,” the organisers said.
Sponsors of the event are GE, Marafiq, FPI, Siemens, United Utilities, Wartsila, NTCC, Sete Energy Saudia, Wetico, Veolia Water, Trowers & Hamlin, CRA International, Iberdrola, Metito, Severn Trent Services, Acwa Power, Agbar Water and Cadagua.