THE stage is set for the third edition of the Power + Water Leaders’ Forum in Abu Dhabi this month, as leading Middle East experts prepare to discuss sustainable best practices and innovative business solutions across the regional water and energy sectors.

To be held on October 8, the dedicated forum runs alongside the Power + Water Middle East exhibition, which takes place until October 10 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

A strong line-up of speakers has so far confirmed participation at the dedicated forum. Among them is a leading figure in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) water and wastewater industry, Fady Juez, managing director of Metito, who will put the spotlight on sustainable water management solutions for the region.

Metito is a provider of water management solutions with more than 50 years of industrial experience in water technologies.

As water desalination continues to play a crucial role in the Mena region as a non-conventional solution for sustainable water supply, Juez said that it comes at a significant economic and environmental price, adding that it costs $0.7 to $1 to desalinate a cu m of seawater.

To put that figure into perspective, the UAE, which ranks second worldwide in installed desalination capacity, has a total installed capacity in excess of 9 million cu m per day.

“We are in dire need as businesses and as individuals to further engage and interact to come up with intelligent, innovative and sustainable solutions to manage, maintain and sustain the world’s natural water resources through effective supply and demand management,” said Juez.

“The Power + Water Leaders’ Forum is an example of such business platforms where these important dialogues can take place,” he added.

Other speakers taking part at the Power + Water Leaders’ Forum include Nick Carter, director-general of the Regulation & Supervision Bureau; Ian Clarke, managing director of Mott MacDonald Middle East; Vahid Fotuhi, president of the Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA); and Johan de Villiers, president of ABB Power Systems Gulf, who will debate the merits of sustainable energy.

A significant new addition to Power + Water Middle East this year is the Smart Grids Master Class 2012, presented by The Powerful Solutions (TPS), a UAE-based technical advisory focused on the power and energy sectors.

Taking place on October 9, the master class will present a threadbare analysis of smart grid information that will support organisations seeking to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the production and distribution of electricity to regional end users.

Facilitated by some of the best experts and policy makers from the US, Europe and Asia, the dedicated programme will be led by Scott Minos, senior policy and communication specialist of the US Department of Energy.

Ravinder Bhan, principal consultant of TPS, said: “Smart grids will play a major role in managing both power supply and demand more efficiently, and it has become an urgent regional priority to promise a sustainable electrical power supply for the economic, environmental, and societal needs in coming years.”

Held in partnership with Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea), with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) as a strategic partner, Power + Water Middle East is the region’s premier event for showcasing power and water related products and services.

The expo has attracted 100 exhibitors from 25 countries. Now in its fifth year, the three-day exhibition and forum brings together developers, manufacturers, buyers and service providers from a range of sectors in power and water to discuss investment opportunities in related industries.