The Saudi Mega Infrastructure Projects (MIP) 2012 summit wrapped up with a call for a platform to strengthen the correlation between construction industry stakeholders.
The three-day event concluded with recommendations for mega projects to continue dialogue through forums to forecast opportunities and maintain quality in the areas of labor law, material law, import and equipment availability and ways to achieve cost-effectiveness, promote environmental sensitivity, and long-term upgrading maintenance and durability.
Angus Hindley, MEED Insight manager of research told the conference Saudi Arabia’s electricity demand would rise to 90,000 MW in 2020. The kingdom is the largest electricity market in the Middle East, he added.
“Electricity demand grew by 10 percent in 2010, reflecting strong growth in the kingdom’s economy. Demand is still rising strongly and we expect it will be significantly higher than 120,000 MW in 2030,” said Amer Al Swaha, manager of the Independent Power Program (IPP) at the Saudi Electricity Company.
Faisal Alfadl, manager of the organizing committee of Saudi MIP said, “With God’s blessing, we have concluded the final day of the mega project marathon. It is clear the challenges are immense in providing the know-how of the mega infrastructure projects.
However, the experts of the region are more committed than ever in compliance of non-oil sector activities for its dynamics and flexibility in investments for accessing such large size projects. On the other hand, is the global warming concern which corresponds to the efficiency for large projects, adding to the immense challenge?”
Ali Al Najim, acting chairman of Saudi Green Building Council said, “We are celebrating the World Green Building Week (WGBW) in association with the World Green Building Council. The key role of the WGBW is to advocate the conservation of resources, saving money, creating jobs and creating healthier places to live, work and play. In fact, the WGBC will unite 90 nations in September to promote the ‘Green Building for great Community.”
Amir Syedain, senior assistant group general manager, manager of structure Debt finance, Banque Saudi Fransi, said, “The summit was very insightful and gave me a chance to meet the decision makers. The network is huge and what they are discussing here is very relevant to the current status of the mega projects market.”
Ahmed al Bader, major program management expert, said there is a difference between project and program. The size, budget, number of stakeholders and consequences are relatively higher for a program, compared to a project.
The consequences of a program are far reaching and have a greater impact than that of a project. This distinction is very important to understand so we know what kind of initiative we want to take in future.”
MIP summit seeks improved quality for mega projects
