Saudi, EU experts discuss cooperation on energy efficiency

A high-level “EU-Saudi Arabia Energy Efficiency Meeting” is taking place in Jeddah on Jan. 14, 2018, under the initiative of the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network and the EU delegation to Saudi Arabia, with the participation of SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) and other Saudi entities. The event, organized in partnership with dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa and Eurovent ME, is being held in conjunction with the HVACR Expo Saudi 2018 at the Jeddah Center for Forums & Events.
The meeting will address collaboration opportunities between Saudi Arabia and the EU on HVAC standards, certification and labeling. Bringing together Saudi and European experts and decision makers, the “EU-Saudi Arabia Energy Efficiency Meeting” is expected to play a fundamental role in helping preserve the Kingdom’s wealth of energy resources and strengthen the national economy complementing the Saudi national energy efficiency program.  
Today, Saudi Arabia relies on liquid petroleum for approximately 60 percent of its electricity generation. Increase in electricity demand boosted by population growth and rising living standards is affecting the country’s oil export volume and earnings. With more than 70 percent of the country’s electricity being consumed for air conditioning and cooling, energy-efficient HVACR solutions are key to achieve national growth in line with Vision 2030.
Confirming the participation of SASO, Engineer Abdullah Al-Gahtani, vice governor of standards and laboratories, commented: “SASO is glad to be part of this key initiative in Saudi Arabia, which will contribute in elevating the standards and the quality of HVACR products in the country, finally strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy going along with the Saudi national energy efficiency program.”
Michele Cervone D’urso, EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said: “Energy has been and still is the major pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy. The EU, which has recently set out a new 30 percent energy efficiency target by 2030, is glad to share know-how and collaborate with the Kingdom on such a strategic subject matter to support economic development in Saudi Arabia and foster a more sustainable future.”
According to Frank Wouters, director of the EU-GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, “The meeting is an excellent opportunity to meet key stakeholders and discuss cooperation on energy efficiency matters in the HVAC-R sector. It is our mission to foster clean energy partnerships between EU and GCC entities, and the meeting will facilitate the dialogue on energy efficiency.”
Markus Lattner, director of Eurovent Middle East, one of the largest cross-regional industry committees of its kind, said: “We look forward to sharing our expertise in HVAC technologies at the meeting, to promote energy-efficient and sustainable solutions improving the life quality of the people in the Middle East.”
Nathan Waugh, portfolio event director at dmg events, commented: “As a leading exhibitions organizing company, our aim is to advance the HVACR industry, promoting best practices and innovative solutions. We are therefore very proud to host the first meeting between Saudi Arabia and the European Union as part of the HVACR Expo Saudi 2018. We trust that the EU-Saudi Arabia Energy Efficiency Meeting will initiate a beneficial dialogue and cooperation on energy efficiency matters supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision and sustainable economic development.”