Global electricity demand increased by six per cent in 2021–the largest ever growth recorded in absolute terms and the highest since 2010. According to a report issued by autonomous intergovernmental organization, International Energy Agency, projections for electricity demand have come down to three to four per cent, which is similar to the expected annual growth rate dating back to a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst this, the energy demand will be attributed to three key reasons–continued economic recovery, rebound effects concerning health protection measures and the apparent easing of the global energy crisis.

Looking to learn more further about optimization of energy resources for the GCC region, the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) will be hosting the ‘GCC Electricity Market Forum’ at the Gulf Cooperation Council Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai. The event serves as a strategic platform to discuss key developments in both the national and local electricity markets across the region and the planned roadmap to development for the GCC’s thriving electricity market.

Eng. Ahmed Al Ebrahim, CEO, GCCIA, said, “The Electricity Market Forum will gather some of the region’s top experts in the electricity industry–all coming together to tackle the challenges posed by the market’s move to become a more organized exchange-based market. Aside from this, panelists will also discuss other market concerns like current projects, developments and new market and exchange rules.”

Panelists invited to speak at the forum include Dr. Mohamed Al Hamad, Manager – Market Operations, GCCIA; Abdul Aziz Ahmad Al-Mahmoud, Manager of Production Planning, Water Resources and Business Development, QGEWC; Riyadh Al Umair, Manager, System Operations and Control – East Department, Saudi Electricity Company; Jasem Mohamed Othman, Manager, Commercial Operations and Relationship, EWEC; Carlo Degli Esposti, Partner, Elia Grid International; Yousef Al Marwan, Electricity Market Operator, GCCIA; Dr. Abdulla Alabbasi, Research Fellow, DERASAT; Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Attawi, Director, Electricity Transmission, Electricity Transmission Directorate; Milos Mladenovic, Managing Director, SEEPEX; Ibrahim Alburaidi, Manager, Economic Operations; Fawad Ali, Director for Partnerships and Sector Risks, Department of Energy Abu Dhabi; Ehsan Sharief, Client Interface Executive, GCCIA; Maree Roos, Director, African Power Ventures and Salman Al Owaifi, Energy Trading Expert, Principal Buyer, KSA.

The forum will be divided into four consecutive sessions–Development of regional and local electricity markets in the GCC; Roadmap for the GCC Electricity Market; Managing transmission capacity in the GCCIA and Market and Exchange rules for the GCC electricity market.