Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia will require an investment of more than $200 billion for power generation projects during the next 15 years in order to meet the needs of its growing population and economic development, according to Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen.

The privatisation of the sectors will be the focus of the Fourth Saudi Water & Power Forum (SWPF), with the theme ‘Change, Innovation and Sustainable Development’ that is to be held here from November 2 to 5.

To be inaugurated by Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, it will be attended by more than 3,000 local and international experts.

Besides the privatisation of the water and power sectors, the Forum will discuss the impact of tariff policy on utilities, ways to achieve sustainability through innovation, water reuse and wastewater management.

“The holding of this annual international forum reflects the kingdom’s keenness to develop the water and electricity sectors,” Al-Hussayen said in information made available to Khaleej Times here last week.

“It will have eight working sessions dealing with major requirements of the water and electricity sectors in the kingdom, especially the requirements of the mega economic cities being developed in Rabigh, Hail, Madinah and Jizan,” he added.

In the announcement, Adel Bushnak, chairman of the Forum’s board of directors, said the conference would focus on investment opportunities in water and electricity and application of modern technology to boost production and protect environment.