Saudi Arabia’s water desalination industry has experienced six per cent annual growth rate, the highest in the world, said industry experts ahead of a major energy summit in Riyadh.

To be held from May 26 to 28, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Saudi Energy 2014 – the international trade exhibition for electricity, power generation, alternative energy, water technology and lighting will exhibit cutting-edge technology and latest products in water desalination.

The population of Saudi Arabia is growing at the rate of over 2.5 per cent, while the demand for water is increasing by more than 8.8 per cent annually. This has lead the Saudi government to make significant investment in the water desalination industry, stated the experts.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Water and Electricity have signed several contracts worth billions of dollars to set up new desalination facilities in the Kingdom in addition to renovating existing plants to prolong their life expectancy from 25 years to 40 years.

Currently, the state-owned Saline Water Conservation Corporation (SWCC) operates 36 water desalination stations on the Red Coast, they added.

With the demand for desalinated water at an all time high in the Kingdom, Saudi Energy is one of the leading specialized exhibitions in the region that will give exhibitors an insight about the requirements of the country’s water desalination sector, enable them to strengthen their presence in the Saudi market.

The event is being organized by the Riyadh Exhibitions Company and Informa Exhibitions Under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Water and Electricity.

The expo will help the participants to gain entry into the regional market by exploring partnership opportunities with local companies, and networking with the region’s professional audience, including government officials, service providers, regional buyers and international exhibitors.

Fahad Al Athel, the deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: "Saudi Arabia has the third largest water consumption rate in the world with an average use reaching 280 liters per person per day. Of the total daily requirement of seven billion cubic meters of water, 60 per cent of water demand is supplied from the water desalination plants – 40 per cent from SWCC stations and 20 per cent from plants operated by the private sector."

"Saudi Energy 2014 is all set to contribute positively to growing demand for desalinated water at an alarming rate. The event will offer the visitors a chance to learn about path-breaking technologies from international experts as they interact with local service providers and explore cooperative opportunities," stated Al Athel.

The event will see exhibitors showcase the latest sector products, services and technologies to a large group of professional visitors from Saudi and the region.

The event will offer a chance gain first-hand experience of fresh technologies and new equipment for attendees to stay abreast with the industry and market developments in the region.-TradeArabia News Service