The 5th International Energy Conference the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) that opened in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday focuses on issues of cooperation, innovation, investment in the sphere of renewable energy sources, ecology and environmental protection. Taking part in the event are official delegations headed by presidents, prime ministers and heads of ministries, as well as more than 3,000 experts.
Opening the forum, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared 2012 the “International Year of Sustainable Energy for All” and called on governments and the private sector to fulfil their commitments to support the dissemination of sustainable energy in order to overcome poverty and enhance efforts to protect climate and the environment.
According to Ban Ki-moon, sustainable economic development is a top priority for the next five years. “The world needs to double the share of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar and water energy by 2030 and ensure universal access to clean technologies and services by this time,” he stressed.
A thematic exhibition is held within the framework of the conference from January 16 to 19 at which representatives of more than 650 companies from 112 countries demonstrate advanced technologies and equipment in the field of renewable energy, environmental protection, waste storage and recycling. About 100 roundtable discussions are planned with the participation of leading experts in the field of practical use of solar, wind energy, geothermal technology, biofuels, hydropower, environmental protection, as well as the construction of environmentally friendly cities of the future, equipped with life support systems solely from renewable energy sources.
The conference organisers believe that this event will allow its participants not only to share their best ideas, but also develop international cooperation on the issues discussed at the forum. Symbolically, the forum that has become traditional is held in the UAE capital, which has been elected the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
According to a WFES press release, the fifth edition of the World Future Energy Summit brings together more than 60 ministers from 50 countries to discuss key global issues relating to energy policies, development strategies, commercial incentives and industry-related challenges. The Summit begins Monday, January 16, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The ministerial delegation at WFES 2012 includes representation from nearly every major region including the Gulf Cooperation Council, wider Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Asia, Europe, North America and Africa. Additionally, nearly 150 renowned speakers representing an array of industries and specializations are now confirmed to address key issues in renewable energy including solar and wind, energy efficiency, water and waste sectors. Visitors to the Summit also include ministers and delegates attending the second session of the International Renewable Energy Agency on January 14-15.
“The world recognizes that renewable energy and sustainable development can bridge long-term economic strength, energy security and environmental stability,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company. “The World Future Energy Summit is a tangible example of the UAE’s promise to accelerate the acceleration, development and deployment of renewable energy and clean technologies. The Summit is an unrivalled platform for open dialogue between industry stakeholders and facilitates the strategic partnerships critical to make progress in this sector possible.
“The strong presence this year by Asian leaders is a clear demonstration of the region’s leading role in the renewable energy and clean technology markets,” added Dr. Al Jaber. “The fact that they chose to attend WFES is a testament to the momentum and significance the Summit has achieved over the last five years.”
“It is now well established that the only form of growth that can continue unabated in the medium term is low-carbon growth,” said Naji El Haddad, Exhibition Director, World Future Energy Summit 2012. “The consensus and similarities on the risks that countries face from rapid resource depletion and climate change necessitates a coordinated action plan. Over the past five years, WFES has emerged as the platform where leaders from various countries can come together and discuss such plans, while highlighting evolving trends and challenges.
“Importantly, it presents businesses and experts related to clean and renewable energy to directly engage with the political leadership, thereby serving as a unique congregation of commerce, academics and politics that will shape the future of global renewable energy and environment.”
Three ministerial panels will be held on Day 1 of the Summit. The first ministerial panel is based on the theme of “Sustainable Energy for All” and includes addresses by UN Secretary-General, HE Ban Ki-moon; Mr. Adnan Amin, Director-General, IRENA; and Mr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, among others.
The second ministerial panel is based on the theme of “Action Towards Universal Energy Access,” and will be addressed by Daniel Johansson, Vice-Minister of Energy, Sweden; and Timur Ivanov, Head of the Russian Energy Agency, among others.
The third ministerial panel is based on the theme of “The Role of Government Institutions In Accelerating Transition To A Global Clean Energy Economy,” and will be addressed by Walter Steinmann, State Secretary for Energy, Switzerland; Lord Howell of Guildford, Minster of State, United Kingdom; S Iswaran, Minister for Home Affairs & Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, among others.
