Together with representatives from the solar industry and branch associations from Saudi Arabia, the Joint Forces for Solar networking event helped inform visitors about the development of renewable energies in the MENA region. Around 180 participants attended the event to hear the latest views on the future of solar energy in the Gulf States. According to an official communiqué published after the event, 54 GW of solar capacity is planned to be installed by 2032.
There are signs of growth in the solar markets of the Near East and North Africa: The market for photovoltaic and solar thermic plants in the region is set to increase to a total of 3.5 gigawatt (GW) by 2015. Instead of simply relying on oil, Saudi Arabia especially is planning to further develop photovoltaic and solar thermal energy production. With the "PV Briefing & Networking Forum" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Intersolar Europe, EuPD Research and their local partner the Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SAISA) are taking account of these changes in energy policy and the opportunities they bring on behalf of the international solar branch.
During the event, over 180 local decision makers and representatives were able to discuss the significance of solar energy in the MENA region, and especially Saudi Arabia, with international guests. Alongside questions regarding market development, the potentials of inland solar production and the necessities of subsidization were also on the agenda. All panel members and participants agreed that thus far, the Saudi Arabian market has only been of interest for utilities, energy providers and project managers and that there is as yet no private customer sector.
Low energy prices have previously hindered the development of alternative energy forms It was in this that participants saw the potential. In many other successful solar markets, the commercial and private rooftop sector initially provides the backbone supporting the industry. Awareness for the subsidization of oil and conventional energy needs to be increased within society. Low market prices stunt the development of alternative energies in various ways. Saudi Arabia must secure its place in the global market, especially in the field of research and product development, and encourage the creation of its own unique products and solutions. For example, high temperatures and surface interference due to sand present significant problems in the States of the Persian Gulf and would require special technical solutions.
Governor Dr. Abdullah M. Al Shehri of the Electricity & Co-Generation Regulatory Authority encourages the government's solar development goals. According to the "King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy", a research and development institution created by royal decree, around 54 GW of alternative energy capacity are planned to be installed by 2032. Alongside photovoltaic and solar thermal power, wind energy, geothermal plants and hybrid technologies will also be established. These plans can be viewed via the Kingdom's Sustainable Energy Portal, in the form of a white paper.
Joint Forces for Solar: Working together with strong partners for local industries
Most important local partner and co-host of the event was the Saudi Arabia Solar Industries Association (SASIA). The "PV Briefing & Networking Forum Saudi Arabia" is also supported by the premium sponsors Conergy Asia & ME, Manz AG and Schletter GmbH. Gold sponsors of the event were Jinchen Machinery. Silver sponsors were Saudi Solar. Further partners were the Electricity & Co-Generation Regulatory Authority, Norton Rose, NUMOV, PV LAB Germany, Saudi Arabien AHK, Standards Associates and Taylor Wessing. Media partners of Joint Forces for Solar are PV-Tech, pv magazine, Solar Server, Sun & Wind Energy and Renewable Energy World.
EuPD Research
EuPD Research is an international service provider focusing on B2B market research with a highly specialized multilingual interview center. We provide our clients in Europe, Asia and the US with the entire range of qualitative and quantitative research services. With the help of in-depth market knowledge combined with methodological professionalism, we provide practical, future-oriented business solutions and ensure that our clients receive a return on their research investment. Our continuous research has enabled us to develop particular skills in the field of renewable energy sources, particularly in the field of solar energy.
About Intersolar
With over 3,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors spanning four continents, Intersolar is the world's leading exhibition series for the solar industry and its partners. It unites people and companies from around the world with the aim of increasing the share of solar power in our energy supply.
Intersolar Europe takes place annually at Messe München, Germany. Today, it is the world's largest exhibition for the solar industry and its partners. In 2012, 1,909 international exhibitors and 66,000 trade visitors were welcomed to Intersolar Europe. The exhibition focuses on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies and solar thermal technologies and energy storage. Since its foundation, it has become established as the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and service providers. The accompanying Intersolar Europe Conference consolidates the topics of the exhibition. In 2012, more than 400 speakers and around 2,000 attendees discussed current industry topics and investigated the background of technological, market and political developments.
Intersolar's storied history of international exhibitions and conferences spans more than 20 years. In 2008, Intersolar North America in San Francisco became the second exhibition after Intersolar Europe, followed by Intersolar India in Mumbai, Intersolar China in Beijing, and Intersolar South America in São Paulo. Intersolar Europe is organized by Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG.
There are signs of growth in the solar markets of the Near East and North Africa: The market for photovoltaic and solar thermic plants in the region is set to increase to a total of 3.5 gigawatt (GW) by 2015. Instead of simply relying on oil, Saudi Arabia especially is planning to further develop photovoltaic and solar thermal energy production. With the "PV Briefing & Networking Forum" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Intersolar Europe, EuPD Research and their local partner the Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SAISA) are taking account of these changes in energy policy and the opportunities they bring on behalf of the international solar branch.
During the event, over 180 local decision makers and representatives were able to discuss the significance of solar energy in the MENA region, and especially Saudi Arabia, with international guests. Alongside questions regarding market development, the potentials of inland solar production and the necessities of subsidization were also on the agenda. All panel members and participants agreed that thus far, the Saudi Arabian market has only been of interest for utilities, energy providers and project managers and that there is as yet no private customer sector.
Low energy prices have previously hindered the development of alternative energy forms It was in this that participants saw the potential. In many other successful solar markets, the commercial and private rooftop sector initially provides the backbone supporting the industry. Awareness for the subsidization of oil and conventional energy needs to be increased within society. Low market prices stunt the development of alternative energies in various ways. Saudi Arabia must secure its place in the global market, especially in the field of research and product development, and encourage the creation of its own unique products and solutions. For example, high temperatures and surface interference due to sand present significant problems in the States of the Persian Gulf and would require special technical solutions.
Governor Dr. Abdullah M. Al Shehri of the Electricity & Co-Generation Regulatory Authority encourages the government's solar development goals. According to the "King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy", a research and development institution created by royal decree, around 54 GW of alternative energy capacity are planned to be installed by 2032. Alongside photovoltaic and solar thermal power, wind energy, geothermal plants and hybrid technologies will also be established. These plans can be viewed via the Kingdom's Sustainable Energy Portal, in the form of a white paper.
Joint Forces for Solar: Working together with strong partners for local industries
Most important local partner and co-host of the event was the Saudi Arabia Solar Industries Association (SASIA). The "PV Briefing & Networking Forum Saudi Arabia" is also supported by the premium sponsors Conergy Asia & ME, Manz AG and Schletter GmbH. Gold sponsors of the event were Jinchen Machinery. Silver sponsors were Saudi Solar. Further partners were the Electricity & Co-Generation Regulatory Authority, Norton Rose, NUMOV, PV LAB Germany, Saudi Arabien AHK, Standards Associates and Taylor Wessing. Media partners of Joint Forces for Solar are PV-Tech, pv magazine, Solar Server, Sun & Wind Energy and Renewable Energy World.
EuPD Research
EuPD Research is an international service provider focusing on B2B market research with a highly specialized multilingual interview center. We provide our clients in Europe, Asia and the US with the entire range of qualitative and quantitative research services. With the help of in-depth market knowledge combined with methodological professionalism, we provide practical, future-oriented business solutions and ensure that our clients receive a return on their research investment. Our continuous research has enabled us to develop particular skills in the field of renewable energy sources, particularly in the field of solar energy.
About Intersolar
With over 3,000 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors spanning four continents, Intersolar is the world's leading exhibition series for the solar industry and its partners. It unites people and companies from around the world with the aim of increasing the share of solar power in our energy supply.
Intersolar Europe takes place annually at Messe München, Germany. Today, it is the world's largest exhibition for the solar industry and its partners. In 2012, 1,909 international exhibitors and 66,000 trade visitors were welcomed to Intersolar Europe. The exhibition focuses on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies and solar thermal technologies and energy storage. Since its foundation, it has become established as the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and service providers. The accompanying Intersolar Europe Conference consolidates the topics of the exhibition. In 2012, more than 400 speakers and around 2,000 attendees discussed current industry topics and investigated the background of technological, market and political developments.
Intersolar's storied history of international exhibitions and conferences spans more than 20 years. In 2008, Intersolar North America in San Francisco became the second exhibition after Intersolar Europe, followed by Intersolar India in Mumbai, Intersolar China in Beijing, and Intersolar South America in São Paulo. Intersolar Europe is organized by Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG.
