More than 2,500 visitors from across 65 countries converged on Power-Gen Middle East Conference and Exhibition in the UAE capital recently.

The 13th edition of the event, held from October 4 to 6 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in Abu Dhabi, addressed key issues affecting the region’s electricity market by putting forward pioneering and practical solutions to expand energy efficiency, technological excellence and implementation of smart solutions tailored to the Middle East’s power industry.

The conference and exhibition featured more than 100 high-level regional and international chairs and speakers.

Event director Feraye Gurel said: “PGME 2015 has set an ideal platform for regional and international power sector leaders to design and implement the course of power and electricity for 2015 and beyond.

“In addition, the UAE has proven to be a regional pioneer in sustainable development and in addressing the challenges of ensuring energy, water and food security. Leading events such as PGME serve as a testament to its commitment to smart technologies and energy mix options including renewables and clean energy from solar energy as well as serving as a crucial global platform for cooperation and strategic partnerships.”

Fergus Lavers from Ansaldo Energia said: “As part of the Ansaldo group, Power-Gen events worldwide are very important for us, particularly Power-Gen Middle East due to our presence locally. It serves as the ideal event for us to meet potential customers and enhance our relationship with existing ones.”

Power industry professionals took part in a technical tour at one of the world’s most sustainable eco-neighbourhoods – Masdar City. Guided tours included the ‘Undercroft Laboratories’, which involved a viewing of the micro nano fabrication facility in addition to the microscopy lab and the materials testing lab.

Masdar CEO Dr Ahmad Belhoul said: “Masdar is proud to have served as the sustainability partner of PGME 2015. Our partnership with the region’s foremost conference dedicated to designing and implementing the future of power generation reinforces our commitment to making access to energy worldwide a reality.

“Masdar represents the embodiment of the UAE’s commitment to advancing safe, clean and secure energy. We continue to collaborate with local, regional and global partners to forward the sustainable energy agenda worldwide, and our cooperation with the conference further advances to our mission of driving greater dialogue on future energy,” he added.

This year’s event was owned and managed by US-based PennWell Corporation, a business-to-business media and information company. The next Power-Gen Middle East will be held in Abu Dhabi from March 26 to 28, 2017.