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• Fifth edition of global future energy summit attracts industry and policy experts
• Clean energy capacity across MENA estimated to reach 27,000 megawatts if national quotas are to be achieved
Countries across the Middle East are ramping up renewable energy investment, with some states aiming to have renewable sources account for more than 40 per cent of their energy mix by 2020.
With global industry expected to play a major role in realizing the region’s ambitious renewable energy agenda, the World Future Energy Summit 2012 has attracted an impressive line-up of international business and policy experts to discuss the opportunities for further increasing local capacity in renewable energy solutions.
To be held in Abu Dhabi from January 16-19, WFES 2012 will welcome insights from chief executives including Ditlev Engel, President and CEO of leading wind turbine maker Vestas, Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President and CEO of Schneider Electric, and Mark Carne, Executive VP of Shell International, among other industry and policy specialists.
WFES Exhibition Director Naji El Haddad said: “Day two of the summit will examine in detail how the private sector can help achieve large-scale implementation of renewable energy, and what governments need to do to encourage the involvement of the business community. With 10 Arab states setting quotas for renewable power generation ranging between 5 and 42 percent, closer alignment between the public and private sector will be key.”
Analysts estimate that delivering on those goals will require a three-fold increase in renewable energy capacity across the Middle East and North Africa to at least 27,000 megawatts.
Even countries that have not set targets are still investing in large-scale renewable energy projects, such as Saudi Arabia, which last year unveiled a 2-megawatt rooftop solar power installation at the Jeddah-based research institute KAUST.
El Haddad said: “Bringing about a domestic renewable energy sector in the region is about creating jobs and economic diversification as well as generating more power from sustainable sources.
“WFES 2012 will be a valuable platform for all stakeholders committed to seeing such an important industry take root in the region, from investors to technology providers to policy makers.”
Now in its fifth year, the World Future Energy Summit is the world’s leading event committed to promoting advancement of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste and water technologies.
The annual summit engages political, business, finance, academic and industry leaders to drive innovation, business and investment opportunities in response to the growing need for sustainable energy.
On the theme Powering Sustainable Innovation, WFES 2012 will stage both a high-level conference and exhibition, with companies from all over the world promoting their latest products and services.
Over 26,000 attendees, including 3,000 delegates, 650 exhibiting companies and 20 national pavilions, are expected to participate in the summit.
To be held under the patronage of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and hosted by Masdar, the World Future Energy Summit 2012 runs from January 16-19 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
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