The power and water sectors are experiencing a massive boom in Saudi Arabia, according to Abdulrahman Almutari, head of privatization at the National Water Company (NWC). He stated that over SR 50 billion will be invested in water and wastewater projects from 2013-2017.
Speaking at the 1stday of the 9th Water, Electricity and Power Generation Conference (WEPower 2013) in Dammam on Sunday, Almutari explained that the NWC has plans to implement a number of water projects by 2017, including SR 7 million worth of investments for wastewater projects.
Also speaking at the first day of the conference was Fouad Al-Sherebi, executive vice president of generation for Saudi Electricity Generation. He announced that SEC will be utilising the atomic and renewable energy, and will constantly work with K.A.CARE in order to have a mix of energy production." He added that SEC and K.A. CARE are working to determine the strategic location for solar plants and to prepare for the interconnection."
The WEPower Conference and Exhibition is held in parallel with Petrochem Arabia Conference & Exhibition, the two events together representing Saudi Arabia’s largest industrial gathering running until today at the Dhahran International Exhibitions Center.
The Petrochem Arabia Conference also welcomes renowned speakers, with Omar S. Bahobail, president and CEO of AL WAHA Petrochemical Co. highlighting the drive to facilitate the connection between the downstream and the upstream sectors. Another topic under the spotlight of his presentation was the question of the utilisation of by-products from the petrochemical industries, specifically with regards to the wider adaptation of recycling practices in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia.
An number of high-profile representatives have converged at the Dhahran International Exhibitions Center to learn from the speakers as well as to experience the latest technologies and products showcased at the international exhibition held in parallel of the conference.
"WEPower and Petrochem Arabia Exhibition is a landmark exhibition bringing together the principal water, power, petrochemical and downstream companies from across the Gulf and globe to showcase their latest products and generate new business," said BME Global Ltd. Managing Director Alain Marhic.
The WEPower and Petrochem Arabia exhibitions, which is free to attend for trade professionals, showcases new product launches while thousands of visitors interact with over 100 exhibitors in a live and business-friendly environment.
National Water Company to invest SR 50 bn in new projects
National Water Company to invest SR 50 bn in new projects
Saudi Arabia opens 3rd round of Exploration Empowerment Program
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, has opened applications for the third round of the Exploration Empowerment Program, part of ongoing efforts to accelerate mineral exploration in the Kingdom, reduce early-stage investment risks, and attract high-quality investment from local and international mining companies.
The third round of the Exploration Empowerment Program offers a comprehensive support package targeting exploration companies and mineral prospecting license holders.
The initiative aims to lower investment risks for projects and support a faster transition from prospecting to development.
"The program provides coverage of up to 70 percent of the total salaries of Saudi technical staff, such as geologists, during the first two years, increasing to 100 percent thereafter, in line with program requirements.
This support aims to develop talent, build national capabilities in mineral exploration, promote job localization, and facilitate the transfer of geological knowledge.
The application for the third round opened on Jan. 14, allowing participants to benefit from the Kingdom’s attractive investment environment, its stable legal framework, and streamlined regulatory structures, as well as integrated infrastructure that supports the transition from mineral resources to operational mines.
The ministry has set the timeline for the third round, with the application period running from Jan. 14 to March 31.
This will be followed by the evaluation, approval, and signing of agreements from April 1 to May 31, with the eligible projects set to be announced between June 1 and July 31 of the same year.
The program stages include submitting exploration data during the reimbursement and payment phase from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, followed by technical and financial verification of work programs and approval of the disbursement of support funds in January 2027.
The exploration data will then be published on the National Geological Database in April 2027.
The ministry emphasized that the EEP focuses on supporting the exploration of strategically important minerals with national priority. It also contributes to enhancing geological knowledge by providing up-to-date data that meets international standards, helping investors make informed decisions and supporting the growth of national companies and local supply chains.
The ministry urged companies to apply early to benefit from the program’s third round, which coincided with the fifth edition of the International Mining Conference, which was held from Jan. 13 to 15.
