OREANDA-NEWS. February 05, 2013. “Achieving energy efficiency is a strategic goal for Saudi Aramco as well as everyone in the oil and gas industries as it reduces the pressure on the already strained resources on a global scale,” said Mohammed A. Al-Omair, vice president of Pipeline Distribution and Terminals, reported the press-centre of Saudi Aramco.  

In partnership between the Energy Management Steering Committee and Terminal Operations Department, the 2013 Energy Conservation Forum took place under the theme “Achieving Best-in-Class Energy Efficiency Level.”

In his opening remarks, Al-Omair indicated that the rise in energy prices is causing consumers to pay greater attention to energy efficiency, which is highly desirable. It is also attracting higher levels of investment in new and alternative energy sources.

In parallel, the impact of deregulation — in particular in the field of power generation — is expected to lead to a more efficient use of hydrocarbon fuels and, eventually, to lower the level of energy intensity.

Al-Omair noted that in past years, the national demand on energy has increased drastically to the point where the portion meant for export may decline to very low levels in the coming two decades. For example, the national demand for electricity has increased by about 7 to 8 percent annually for the past five years. Therefore, being efficient in energy utilization is a national goal and concern, and it is the responsibility of everyone.

He added that Saudi Aramco has been well aware of the importance of energy efficiency through cost-effective and efficient resource management practices. Therefore, the company launched energy conservation policies to improve levels of energy efficiency in all operating facilities, whether they are industrial or nonindustrial, to support energy efficiency efforts in the Kingdom.

Ahmed O. Al-Khowaiter, chief engineer and chairman of the Energy Management Steering Committee, gave the keynote address emphasizing the importance of leading, implementing and achieving best-in-class energy efficiency levels for Saudi Aramco’s operations and the Kingdom.
“We need to identify actionable programs that can be applied to reduce energy consumption in our everyday life practices in and around the company. We must export these concepts in collaboration with the National Energy Efficiency Initiative focusing on three areas: industry, production and transportation,” he said.

The forum’s topics were divided into four basic sessions with presentations selected to reflect Saudi Aramco energy conservation activities and lessons learned from various plants and departments. Presenters also included local and five major international energy companies.

Fundamental research and development in the field of renewables was included through the participation of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Major national companies were represented by SABIC, with a presentation highlighting its energy conservation program and initiatives.