Demand for power and water to go up (in the Middle East)

Demand for power and water to go up
BY A STAFF REPORTER

11 March 2005

ABU DHABI — Demand for power and water in the Middle East is expected to skyrocket over the next ten years as rapid economic development, construction and tourism place an increased burden on the region's infrastructure, experts averred.


Without an effective infrastructure strategy in place, countries could face power shortfalls and blackouts in the future, hampering development and pushing living standards down.

The implications of these challenges, the move toward privatisation and regulatory controls, will be analysed during the second Middle East Power and Water Conference, to be held in Abu Dhabi from March 21 to 23.

"The power and water industry is key to ensuring the continued economic prosperity of countries across the region," said Ranald Spiers, chief executive officer Middle East and Africa, International Power. "However, the predicted levels of development in the Middle East will place an increased strain on power and water supplies in years to come, which makes it essential that the industry develops a viable strategy today."


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Resource demand is huge issue even in the middle east