International Copper Association strengthens presence in Saudi Arabia

International Copper Association (ICA), the apex body promoting the use and application of copper across various sectors, and AMAD, Saudi Arabia-based specialists in engineering, industry and IT, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to serve as local partners to implement the initiatives of ICA in the Kingdom.

The partnership was formalised on the sidelines of the Electricity Efficiency Forum that was held recently at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, where ICA highlighted the practical applications of copper and its importance in driving energy efficiency in Saudi Arabia.

Sanjeev Ranjan, Chief Executive Officer at ICPCI, and Saud Al- Jibreen, General Manager of AMAD, signed the agreement.

Ravinder Bhan, the regional representative of ICA said: “ICA’s partnership with AMAD will strengthen our presence in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the key markets in the Middle East region with a strong focus on infrastructure development. The Kingdom faces the challenge of meeting the growing requirement of power, projected to increase at an annual 8% over the next five years. Through our partnership with AMAD, ICA will highlight the practical efficiencies that can be achieved through the use of copper in the energy and power sector of the Kingdom.”

Saud Al- Jibreen said: “Saudi Arabia is witnessing significant investments in the energy sector. The use of copper in driving the projects will contribute to long-term sustainability and promoting energy efficiency. ICA will introduce a new and concerted level of awareness on the usage of copper to the Kingdom.”

Representing ICA at the Electricity Efficiency Forum, Sanjeev Ranjan said: “KSA and GCC will require strong emphasis on technologies and processes that are energy efficient and sustainable. Copper can play a major role in this process, being undoubtedly the most energy efficient material and makes the best economic sense on a life cycle cost basis. This will eventually make tomorrow’s systems more efficient and safe.”

GCC is projected to spend US$252 billion on energy and power projects in the next few years. Saudi Arabia alone is expected to invest US$100 billion to meet the needs to electrify homes envisaged as part of plans to strengthen the Kingdom’s housing infrastructure and to meet the growing demand for power.

Electricity Efficiency Forum 2011 is a scientific platform for energy leaders organized by the Saudi Ministry of Water & Electricity. The forum takes place alongside Saudi Energy 2011, the 14^th International Show for Electricity, Lighting, Power Generation, Water Technology and HVAC for Saudi Arabia.