Kenya’s status as a global geothermal leader and Africa’s newest wind energy powerhouse will ‘resonate’ with Middle East energy leaders eyeing government-to-government and private sector collaborations to deliver sustainable, renewables-based multi-sector energy transitions, according to MEE Exhibition Director, Azzan Mohammed.   

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Middle East Energy Dubai, the most reputable and comprehensive energy event in the MENA region, takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 7 – 9 March.

The event is expected to attract over 18,000 energy professionals for a three-day conference featuring five key product sections: Smart Solutions, Renewable & Clean Energy, Critical & Backup Power, Transmission & Distribution, and Energy Consumption & Management.

The return of the live and in-person Middle East Energy Dubai is timely as Kenya strives to reach full access to electricity for its population. The country’s high profile in African energy will emerge as MEE discussion shines light on policies and technologies that can leverage Kenya’s abundant renewable energy resources.

“Kenya’s achievement, with 70% of its electricity capacity from renewable sources – more than three times the global average – will definitely resonate across the MENA region,” said Mohammed. “The country’s abundance of hydroelectric and solar power potential is renowned, while its magnificent geothermal capacity - which contributes over 30% of its power - is now joined to leadership in wind with the opening of Africa’s largest wind power plant at Lake Turkana.

“These gains convey Kenya’s great potential to reach 100% green energy while it connects its people to the power grid and releases resources for economic development,” added Mohammed.

The comprehensive product portfolio and knowledge-sharing platforms at Middle East Energy Dubai will open important perspectives on a wide range of policy and technology solutions – from utility-scale to small scale renewables and distributed energy resources.

And with the event also hosting industry-shaping technical sessions at the Global Energy & Utilities Forum and InterSolar Middle East Conference, the coming together of global expertise will offer new insights for innovators in small and medium enterprises who are finding rich opportunities in Kenya’s evolving energy sector. MEE attendees will enjoy access to high-level strategic panels, technical sessions, roundtable discussions and workshops.

“Our unique event platform provides Kenya’s energy professionals and innovators with the perfect venue to show how they are transforming their nation’s energy sector, while they gather useful information on next-generation solutions and best practices from Middle East and African colleagues and technology leaders worldwide,” added Mohammed.

Showing Kenya’s clear commitment to building a renewable energy ecosystem, VIP buyers at MEE include its Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), and its utility leader Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen).

Informa, organisers of the event, have confirmed over 500 global exhibitors will participate in the 47^th edition of the energy showcase, with marquee brands including Lucy Electric, Cummins, Emirates Transformers, Ducab, Riyadh Cables Group and Bahra Cables Company set to showcase a range of solutions and technologies to accelerate the path to the energy transition.

Other confirmed panellists at the Forum include Stephan Gobert, Senior Vice President – Hydrogen AMEA, ENGIE; Michael Mair, VP Growth and Development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Wood; Lina Osman, Head – Sustainable Finance, Africa & MENAP, Standard Chartered; Sabrin Rehman, Managing Director – Head of Sustainability, Middle East & Africa, HSBC; Maximilian Jarrett, Africa Program Manager, International Energy Agency; Sowunmi Olabole II, Office of the Senate, National Assembly – Nigeria; Michael Geissler, Chief Executive Officer, Berlin Energy Agency; Graham Hallett, Development Director, Marjan Island.

As part of the Forum, the focus of discussion will be on developing a roadmap to decarbonisation, an insight into the energy systems of the future, the green hydrogen opportunities in the MENA region, funding of the energy transition, the rise of sustainable finance, powering the African continent with renewable energy, grids of the future, energy efficiency focus and decarbonising industries.

In addition to Global Energy & Utilities Forum, a series of Technical Sessions will provide valuable knowledge on critical topics dominating the headlines within the energy community. World-class technical experts will lead sessions, sharing industry best practices across four core pillars of the energy sector, including Digitalisation & Smart Grids, Renewables, Green Hydrogen, and Energy Storage.

Rounding out the conferences at Middle East Energy Dubai is the InterSolar Middle East Conference, which this year focuses on photovoltaics, PV production technologies and solar thermal technologies. Since its foundation, this yearly conference at Middle East Energy has become the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the global solar industry.

As part of Informa's commitment to providing the highest hygiene and safety levels, the event will again take place under the protocols introduced via the company’s Informa AllSecure (https://bit.ly/3vs3ce2) health and safety mandate (https://bit.ly/3IB2jnf) . The enhanced measures include 35 guidelines covering all aspects of cleaning and hygiene, social distancing measures, and the use of PPE, screening, and a track and trace in conjunction with local authorities.

Sponsors include Perkins, Baudouin, Newage Stamford AVK, and Rieloo UPS at this years' event.

To find out more about the Middle East Energy conference, please click the following link: https://bit.ly/3HwBAXC

To register for the event, please click on the following link, https://bit.ly/3sgQLjR