With a program highlighting the Middle East’s growing clean energy investment opportunities, the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) provides participants with as an unmatched platform to meet with key international players from industry, technology, finance and government to drive actionable solutions to the world’s energy challenges, according to industry leaders.

Now in its eighth year, WFES takes place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), January 17-24, which is expected to attract more than 32,000 people from 170 countries. Hosted by Masdar, ADSW is a yearly platform that addresses the interconnected challenges of energy and water security, climate risk and sustainable development.

“WFES has proven to be the most important energy conference in the Middle East for cultivating sustainable energy solutions that help countries to lower their carbon footprints,” said a representative of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a principal sponsor of WFES.

Last year, ADNOC launched a unique carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) joint venture with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. The joint venture, “Al Reyadah,” will capture CO2 from the UAE’s largest steelmaker and transfer it to oil fields operated by ADNOC, where it will be used to enhance oil recovery and ultimately be stored underground.

“WFES generates collaboration among industry leaders to encourage the commercialization of energy-efficient projects throughout the region,” the ADNOC representative added.

The value of WFES extends beyond the MENA region, as a panel on the energy opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa will demonstrate.  Maria van der Hoeven, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) who will chair the panel, said: “WFES is a platform to stimulate progress in helping the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa realize their goals in sustainable energy. As an event that brings together the world’s leading minds to discuss and implement innovative energy solutions, WFES is an event with far-reaching international significance.”

Sami Khoreibi, CEO of UAE-based solar developer Enviromena Power Systems, which has been part of WFES since the first edition in 2008, agreed. “WFES is the most important show in the region for meeting with partners, investors, and governments from all across the region and the globe, and to get an upfront look at the innovations driving renewable energy at both the project and technology levels. The fact that WFES has been the site of numerous project launches over the years is proof of this event’s tremendously powerful role in accelerating the industry’s development.”

The large solar turnout for WFES 2015 also will include U.S.-based First Solar, which has more than 8 gigawatts of installed capacity globally. Ahmed S. Nada, vice president for the Middle East, said: “First Solar has been a longstanding partner of the World Future Energy Summit and we are looking forward to its 2015 edition. From past experience, the Summit and its exhibition provide an excellent platform to showcase our solutions, spotlight our expertise and thought leadership, and connect with our collaborators.”

Carmelo Scalone, executive vice president for New Business Development of EDF Energies Nouvelles, agreed: “WFES provides the opportunity to exchange views with the major players of the industry and to anticipate the future developments in technology, regulation and policies.”

Wind energy is another sector with tremendous growth potential that will be in focus at WFES. Steve Sawyer, secretary general of the Global Wind Energy Council and a panelist in a WFES discussion on local content requirements for stimulating energy industry growth, observed: “WFES is a unique gathering, bringing together an eclectic selection of the key players in the industry with policymakers from the region and globally. As it coincides with the IRENA General Assembly, it has become a key event on the circuit for anyone serious about the global renewable energy industry.”

Hosted by Masdar, WFES also receives support from ADNOC and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). In addition to WFES, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will feature the third International Water Summit, the second edition of EcoWASTE, and the seventh Zayed Future Energy Prize Award Ceremony as well as the Fifth General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

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