2011 event will be bigger and showcase alternative and renewable energy projects, says utilities supplier

Following the success of the Qatar Alternative Energy Investors Summit 2010, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) says the 2011 edition will create a fund raising platform for renewable and alternative energy projects.

Showcasing regional initiatives, the event will host investment bodies, private investors and international and regional decision makers in a bid to match investors with innovators.

Over one hundred representatives from government authorities, investment firms and industry service providers are expected to attend the two day event, which is widely seen as a seriously creative attempt to change the way energy is sourced and used in the Middle East.

To encourage collaboration, pre-qualified private and government investment bodies and individuals from the GCC will be introduced to innovators seeking project capital on a one-to-one basis throughout the event.

His Excellency Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, Acting Managing Director of Kahramaa, Chairman of Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), said of the summit: “It is an excellent opportunity to meet with all pivots of the renewable energy industry, including government representatives, academics, investors and private sector representatives.”

He further stated: “This summit is important as it comes at a time when the world economy is heading toward recovery after the 2009 recession.

“The Qatari economy, as part of the market economy, will use this opportunity to invest in renewable energy, which will eventually benefit both the economy and the environment.”

In-line with the energy investment plans of the region, the summit will highlight the future energy outlook for Qatar and the Middle East, the announcement elaborated.

Additional highlights are expected to include: government alternative energy strategies and goals; the investment landscape within alternative energy; and the risks, the rewards and return on investment – solar versus wind – the key factors that need to be considered before investing.

Nicholas Watson, Energy Series Director at organiser naseba, explained: “Qatar Investment Authority is earmarking $130 billion for investment over the next five to six years, $65 billion of which will be devoted to energy related projects.

“Qatar has an anticipated growth rate of 20% in a region that has energy investment potential of $615 billion. Add active government initiatives such as Kahramaa investing $4 billion in power generation and involvement in the first solar powered desalination plant, and Qatar will very soon become the region’s energy hub.”

Some of the alternative energy experts who are slated to discuss key issues during the summit include: His Excellency Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari; Dr Horst Kreuter, Member of Board of Directors, International Geothermal Association; Dr Dirar Khoury, Director of Institutional Research, Qatar Foundation; Ben Cotton, Partner, Earth Capital Partners; and Ennis Rimawi, Managing Partner, Catalyst Private Equity.

The organisers have announced that Helianthus Group; Altira Group (Ecolutions Solar); AZMEEL International for Construction and Trading; I2BF; Kahramaa; International Geothermal Association, and Oxford Business Group, among others, will be the main summit sponsors and partners.