RIYADH — “The Saudi Energy Forum 2019 is an important platform to highlight the transformational changes in the energy sector and how Saudi Arabia can leverage existing opportunities to achieve higher levels of efficiency and productivity. With the Saudi Vision 2030 envisaging a remarkable shift in energy production and consumption, the Kingdom is making significant headway in diversifying its energy sources to include a mix of traditional and alternative fuel sources and enhancing energy efficiency.” said Mazin Al Bahkali President & CEO, GE’s Power Services business, Saudi Arabia & Bahrain at a roundtable during GE participation in The Gulf Intelligence Saudi Arabia Energy Forum 2019 held in Riyadh on Monday.

“These remarkable changes are also shaping a new energy ecosystem – with the creation of a dynamic local supply chain backed by localized manufacturing, greater participation of small and medium enterprises, and innovative solutions identified and incubated locally. To support this, it is important to focus on empowering our local talent and preparing them for careers in the energy sector to promote a culture of localized innovation among them through skills development and industry-academic linkages. At GE, we are proud to contribute towards a robust local ecosystem to advance the power sector in the Kingdom through leading facilities such as the GE Manufacturing & Technology Center (GEMTEC) campus in Dammam, a regional hub for repairs, services, manufacturing and R&D, as well as investments in developing local talent through various entry-level and experienced leadership development programs.”

“As we discuss the economics of energy transition at the Forum, the potential for environmental legislation to support the changes must also be addressed. With in-depth discussions, the Forum will open doors for new insights on the shifts that are reshaping our energy sector.”

The roundtable focused on climate and energy resources as the key factors on which the future depends.

The current transition must be driven by the need to protect the environment in order to ensure that the impact of human activity is reduced. We must all use energy more efficiently so that we can decouple economic growth from resource use and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions.

One of the best ways to do this is to apply circular economy principles to the production and consumption of energy. The circular economy focuses on recovering, reusing and recycling materials to reduce waste.