The Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2016) has shifted from an exhibition to show products of energy, water and the environment to an annual strategic platform to launch new technologies and major projects that shape the scene of the energy sector around the world. WETEX is organised under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA.
The 18th WETEX is held at a time when countries from around the world are competing to promote reliance on renewable and clean energy solutions to be a part of the drive for a green economy and sustainable development.
Regional competition and promising plans
WETEX annually attracts elite organisations and specialised energy companies from around the world. Many participants use WETEX to unveil ambitious goals and projects that make global companies compete to provide services, products and advanced solutions in response to the requirements of new projects.
Renewable energy landscape in the GCC
Obviously, the Gulf region is actively investing in clean and renewable energy, which represents significant opportunities for companies specialised in renewable energy. A recent report by The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says that the UAE plans to generate 24% of its power from clean energy by 2021. Similarly, Saudi Arabia plans to produce 9.5GW from sustainable sources by 2030.
Qatar plans to produce 1.8GW of solar energy by 2020, while Bahrain plans to start increasing its capacity from sustainable solutions and Kuwait targets 15% by 2030.
"Shifting the focus towards renewable energy solutions throughout the Gulf region and the world makes it imperative for decision-makers to stay abreast of developments in the energy sector, to utilise new technologies and solutions. WETEX serves as a comprehensive platform for such innovations, as it annually sees launches of leading products, not just partnerships signings. It also attracts speakers and experts to present their views and insights on the trends in global markets, and to discuss the most effective and sustainable technologies in this area," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Founder and Chairman of WETEX.
"The transformation process to renewable energy requires a solid infrastructure to meet future needs. To do so, any country should review the case studies from the region and the world to understand what is offered in the market as far as modern techniques are concerned, to serve the process of green transformation. The UAE in general and Dubai in particular, has determined the most effective and sustainable renewable energy solutions in the long term. Solar energy certainly presents itself as the major alternative to traditional energy as a sustainable renewable resource," added Al Tayer.
Large investments reflect forward-thinking
DEWA allocates a considerable budget every year to accelerate the adoption of green solutions, launch strategic projects in accordance with the independent power producer (IPP), present new opportunities to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors, and diversify its sources.
"We see WETEX as an ideal platform to explore new partnerships, and review the products and technologies of manufacturers in this area. We also present opportunities for cooperation in several DEWA projects, to build strong investment relations backed by the latest production standards in the international energy market," concluded Al Tayer.
WETEX 2016 will be held under the umbrella of the 3rd Green Week. It also coincides with the first Dubai Solar Show and the third World Green Economy Summit (WGES). The exhibition is held over three days at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 4- 6 October 2016.