CONFERENCE’S OVERVIEW

PRESENTATION

The energy sector plays a key role in the socio-economic development of the Arab countries and is an engine of regional integration, given on the one hand, the importance of energy resources (oil, solar and wind power, by country) and the strong dependence of countries regarding energy exchanges, some to balance their energetic assessment, others because their energy exports often constitute the bulk of the wealth created.

The challenges faced by these countries (growing energy demand, depletion of fossil resources, weight environmental constraints and economic sustainable development) urge transition policies to ensure a sustainable future. These policies should be mainly focused on energy security concerns, competitiveness and sustainable development.

Thus, the Arab Renewable Energy Strategy (2010-2030), set up by the League of Arab States, to increase the level of penetration of renewable energy in electricity production by 6% (non-hydro). This should be accompanied by concrete actions to optimal energy mix based on the best combination between the different power generation technologies. The effectiveness of these actions necessary involves consultation and exchange between arab countries

The 5th General Conference of AUE will focus on 5 sessions as follows :

Session 1 : Trends, visions and challenges for the power sector

The power sector has globally undergone significant change considering the availability of resources and price volatility, the environmental and economic constraints and the demand growth and supply security, the development of new energies and new way of consumption. The session will focus on, the energy transition strategy worldwide and in the MENA region and its impact on the regional and Arab power sector.

Session 2 : Renewables integration

Renewables are one of the most important components of the energy transition strategy. Regarding the European and other developed countries experiences, the opportunities, and the technological developments, the constraints (intermittency management, storage), the projects set up and implementation, what can be the recommendations for the renewables strategies in the Arab countries? What is required in terms of business model? What is required in terms of innovative solutions for a successful renewable integration?

Session 3 : The future of fossil power generation

As the renewable and nuclear energy sources are not expected to displace fossil fuels during the next years, fossil power plants will continue to contribute to a needs-oriented power supply. They form the basis of a working energy mix. But the future of the fossil power generation is to be reliable, efficient, flexible and clean. With increasingly strict environmental requirements, what are the future technologies of coal and gas power generation? and what will be the place of fossil power generation in the power system mix in the mid and long term?

Session 4 : The place of nuclear energy in the power system mix

This session will focus on the worldwide situation of nuclear energy in 2015 ( global nuclear installed power, types of reactors forming the world nuclear fleet, the experience feedback etc.) Regarding the stable cost of nuclear fuel on the one hand, and the price volatility of fossil fuel materials on the other hand, and considering the essential infrastructure needed, the safety issues, the regulatory framework, what can be the place of nuclear in future power mix in different scenarios? And, what can be the right approach recommended for the newcomers?

Session 5 : Transmission and interconnection role

With the reform of power sector currently in process in the countries in the region, interconnections have gained a strategic role. This session will focus on how transmission and interconnections are important in improving the security of power supply with better economic efficiency, their role in enabling energy trading, renewables integration and high power plants integration.

More informatoin here.