Overview:

In this episode of PTR Perspective, we take an in-depth look at the evolving high voltage switchgear market in the Middle East. Saad Habib, PTR’s expert analyst, sheds light on the key factors driving demand across major markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. These markets are experiencing significant growth due to large-scale infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and the electrification of transportation.
The episode also addresses the global movement toward SF6-free alternatives in high voltage switchgear. Saad explores how regions like Europe and the US are progressing with these environmentally friendly technologies, and what this shift could mean for the Middle East, where GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) has traditionally dominated. Key insights include the challenges that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face in adapting to new regulations, the potential for the Middle East to adopt SF6-free solutions, and the role of local players in this transition.
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends and challenges in the Middle Eastern high voltage switchgear market, offering valuable insights into the future of energy infrastructure in the region.

Themes: HV Switchgear Market, Middle East, Infrastructure and Energy Projects, SF6-Free Alternatives, OEM Challenges and Adaptation

Key Questions:

Here are the key questions from the transcript along with the timestamps:

1. What are the key markets for high voltage switchgear in the Middle Eastern region, and how are infrastructure projects and energy goals shaping demand?

1:04

2. How are renewable energy goals and environmental technologies influencing high voltage switchgear demand in the Middle East?

5:27

3. How is the global transition towards SF6-free switchgear progressing, and how are OEMs responding to this technology evolution?

6:41

4. When do you think the Middle Eastern region will transition from SF6-based GIS to SF6 alternatives, and what are the opportunities and challenges for local and international players?

11:58

5. How are OEMs dealing with the challenge of maintaining different product lines for SF6 and non-SF6-based high voltage equipment?

14:46

Speakers

Hassan Zaheer

Chief Operating Officer – PTR Inc. 

Hassan is the Chief Operating Officer at PTR Inc. based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With more than a decade of experience in the energy transition space, Hassan works for various Fortune-500 blue-chip clients on global market studies in the electrical infrastructure sector. In his current role at PTR, he works with clients to sustainably grow their businesses, both through custom consulting work and tailored research reports by PTR, helping their executive management and boards make data driven decisions. Hassan is also a Member of Advisory Board for CWIEME Berlin and an advisor to the educational non-profit Better Humans Academy.

Hassan has a tech background with a Masters in Power Engineering from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Additionally, he is also an Alumni of Center for Digital Technology & Management (CDTM).

Saad Habib

Analyst – PTR Inc.

Saad Habib is a skilled Analyst and project manager who specializes in market research and project management. He is presently employed by PTR.Inc as an Analyst-I. He is passionate about digitalizing electrical equipment for grid resiliency and alternative SF6 solutions in MV switchgear. He works closely with clients who are Fortune 500 organizations and gives them market entry strategies and insights on the evolution of the global power grid market. He holds an MBA degree from IBM and an Electrical Engineering degree from FAST NUCES. He previously worked as a Project Manager for Future Gulf Tech. Cont., an electrical project management and consultant company, serving clients all over Pakistan.