Saudis Tag $134 Billion for 49% Power Addition through 2019

---

Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--With a target to raise power generation capacity 49% through 2019, Saudi Arabia has earmarked about $134 billion for power generation and water desalination projects.

Steeply rising demand for power, economic expansion and solid investment flows are driving the trend. By 2015, an annual growth of 15% in power generation will be needed to meet demand. In 2012, investment in power projects to meet supply imperatives absorbed $37.5 billion.

"Factors such as a region-leading economy, ongoing structural reforms, a growing and young population and a diversifying business landscape are all boosting Saudi Arabia's demand to raise its energy output to unprecedented levels," said Khaled Daou, project manager of the Saudi Energy 2013 exhibition to be held in May.

"By 2022, we could see electricity projects collectively worth $80 billion up and running across the country. The rapid expansion of the Kingdom's energy sector requires keen insights on specific consumer needs, market and partnership opportunities, best practices and the right technologies."

In 2012, Saudi Arabia had an installed capacity of about 44,000 megawatts (MW), and it is forecast to need at least 70,000 MW through 2020. Major power equipment and project companies worldwide have been entrenching themselves in the country with research and training centers, hoping for a long and rewarding presence.

For more information, see January 15, 2013, article - Persian Gulf Project Stream Now More than $2 Trillion.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, and eight offices outside of North America, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.