Sixth World Future Energy Summit attracts the leading future and renewable energy companies for a unique collaboration in the search for sustainable energy solutions for all

Almost 650 exhibiting companies from 40 countries expected as new features are unveiled for WFES 2013 in Abu Dhabi from January 15-17

Event organizer Reed Exhibitions has announced that 98 per cent of exhibition space at the sixth World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi from January 15-17 2013 is already sold, confirming its status as the world’s leading renewable energy forum.

Over 30,000 people are expected to converge on the UAE capital as the sixth World Future Energy Summit (WFES), hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, takes centre stage during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

This year’s fifth edition of WFES attracted 623 exhibitors, and WFES 2013 Show Director, Naji El Haddad, expects next January’s summit to surpass this figure based on the advanced bookings.

“We are very encouraged by the great interest shown by the world’s leading companies in the future energy sector. To have 98 per cent of exhibition space sold at this time of the year clearly shows the growing urgency to find solutions to the global energy challenges through new and renewable sources,” he said.

Returning to WFES in January will be First Solar, one of the world’s largest producers of solar panels and developers of solar power plants, which was recently commissioned by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to build a 13-megawatt photovoltaic power plant as part of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.

Building on its involvement in previous summits, First Solar will have a significant presence at WFES 2013 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, participating as both an exhibitor and platinum sponsor.

“The World Future Energy Summit is an exciting platform to demonstrate our capabilities and build lasting relationships in a region that is starting to embrace the full potential of clean energy,” said Christopher Burghardt, First Solar’s Vice President of Business Development and Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We are at the forefront of innovation in solar and our industry-leading thin film technology is ideally suited to the hot climate of the Middle East. Attending WFES allows new and existing business partners to see first-hand our strengths across the PV value chain, from financing to project development, and reaffirms our commitment to the region, where we are opening offices in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two critical markets for the adoption of solar power.”

Burghardt added: “Middle East countries need utility-scale solutions to achieve their objectives for renewable energy as well as full-service capability. Being a high level partner of WFES in Abu Dhabi helps us to showcase our expertise to develop, manage and integrate cost effective PV energy solutions for a broad range of Middle East-based customers.”

Pointing to the involvement of multinational companies such as First Solar, El Haddad of Reed Exhibitions said the best and most innovative technologies from the world of energy will be on show at WFES 2013.

“Bellwethers, growth companies and start-ups will come together to promote existing climate change technologies, the latest innovations and inspiring research and development projects”.

“Exhibitors at WFES 2013 will be able to position themselves as investors in sustainable energy solutions, and will take a leadership position in the future energy market. They will also gain access to global leaders, policy and decision makers, profile their technologies and projects, and meet global partners,” he said.

WFES 2013 is receiving excellent support from its sponsors, including principal sponsor, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and associate sponsor, Emal. Platinum sponsors include Total, Shell, ExxonMobil, OXY, Schneider Electric, First Solar and Ernst & Young, whilst Qatar Petroleum, Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA) have joined as gold sponsors.

Twenty countries have also committed to setting up national pavilions at WFES 2013 to showcase their country’s innovations including Japan, the USA, Russia, Germany, Norway, France, Italy, India, China and Korea.

Next year’s World Future Energy Summit will be co-located with the inaugural International Water Summit, also hosted by Masdar, and is the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from January 13-17. During this time, WFES 2013 will also be the host venue for the prestigious biennial International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi (ADIREC). The week will open with the third session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

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