Middle East Smart Grids: New Capital, New Innovations

July 31, 2012 - PRLog -- The Middle East electricity market is one that promises to grow at a accelerated pace over the next few years. With higher consumption rates coupled with ambitious expansion plans, a need to bridge the gap between the two is key to a successful implementation strategy. A smart grid network can play the role of a funnel that fuses goals of modernization and reliable public infrastructure. While a smart grid deployment program can ease the burden on fossil fuels whilst also providing energy efficiency, is the growth of this technology in the Middle East being hampered due to regulatory frameworks?

According to Albertus Kleinveld, Director of Special Projects, DEWA - “Smart Grids invites innovation because it is market based. Balancing affordability against performance, efficiency and energy use reduction. The crucial thing we need to know is a mid-to-long term target for which we should strive as of today. Many regional governments are in need of liquidity to materialize its energy targets incorporating innovative technologies, and this can be facilitated by providing exposure and transparency. No lender wants exposure to poorly mitigated investments, especially if a government is looking to obtain the lowest cost of money.”

Can the capital required by these authorities be directed from international investors? Yes. Prudent governments have opened their doors to adopting new and innovative technologies while providing critical infrastructure. This in turn has led many international vendors and players making bases in the Middle East with exciting projects and business proposition proposals in the offings. Fleming Gulf's 2nd Annual Smart Grids And Smart Meters Summit to be held on 8th and 9th October, 2012 in Abu Dhabi will articulate both sides of the story with speakers compromising of regulatory bodies, implementation specialists and of course reputed vendors showcasing the latest technologies and trends that are driving the smart grid and smart meter market the world over.