King Saud University (KSU) has announced plans to host the inaugural 'Solar Arabia' summit from October 23 to 24 which will bring influential bodies responsible for shaping the legal framework of the nation’s renewable energy sector.

These include the Ministry of Water and Electricity and the Saudi Electricity Company and other government officials, key policy makers, business conglomerates and potential investors.

Leading international manufacturers of solar products will also actively take part. They have the opportunity to showcase their solutions and educate attendees about the latest innovations in the sector.

The KSU support comes in the light of recent research programmes exploring the potential of clean and renewable energy in Saudi Arabia.

The summit is an unparalleled platform for prospective investors to understand Saudi Arabia’s solar energy potential and the opportunities, said Dr ARM Alamoud, Professor of Electronics and PV Solar Energy at the King Saud University.

"We look forward to welcoming leading manufacturers and developers who can help the Kingdom achieve its solar energy vision," he noted.

In an attempt to minimise the Kingdom’s dependence on crude oil, the Saudi Arabian Government is investing at least $100 billion into clean energy resources over the next ten years. This includes a target to achieve five gigawatt of solar-generated power by the year 2020.

The two days are focused on facilitating discussions and strategies that will help the Kingdom achieve this long-term goal, and is the brainchild of business information company naseba.

“The Middle East is seeing huge interest in investment in renewable energy, and Saudi Arabia’s true potential is yet to be realised," said  Nic Watson, naseba managing director (Sales and Marketing).

"The Solar Arabia platform is a foundation that will allow leading players to contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s alternative energy sector,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service