UAE's contribution through Masdar praised
UAE continues energy leadership through knowledge and innovation
European Future Energy Forum
GENEVA & ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The third edition of the European Future Energy Forum (EFEF), an annual conference and exhibition that gathers international businesses, industry stakeholders, organizations and government leaders to discuss key issues surrounding renewable energy, opened today at Palexpo in Geneva.
President Micheline Calmy-Rey, of the Swiss Confederation and Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, welcomed participants to EFEF 2011, 'Making Innovation Happen for a Sustainable World.'
In his keynote address, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber emphasized the role that the United Arab Emirates has assumed in becoming a driving force and convening power in the global dialogue on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability: "The foresight, support and dedication of our leadership has enabled us to become a catalyst, for greater international dialogue and collaboration - both public and private - to maximize the effectiveness, of the world's response to the challenges of energy security and climate change."
"Our involvement this week is a testament to Abu Dhabi's determination, to become the global platform for effective dialogue, on renewable energy and clean technology," he added.
Dr. Al Jaber highlighted Masdar's strategic role in the diversification of the UAE's energy mix: "For nearly five decades, the UAE has been an exporter of energy through oil and gas. We have supported the global economy and the development of our fellow nations. Masdar is here today, to build on that tradition and legacy and to continue on that path by providing sustainable energy solutions."
Dr. Al Jaber also emphasized the role of clean and renewable energy in creating new economic opportunities in the current state of the global economy: "Governments across the world are working diligently to balance budgets. They are defining priorities and cutting spending - any truly credible rescue package has to start with a shift towards an agenda for growth. This is where our industry has a huge role to play," he said.
"By diversifying our energy mix and investing in clean, energy efficient solutions, we can create both energy security and sustainable growth. We can create jobs and boost economic activity," he added.
Another key element of Dr. Al Jaber's address was a call to policymakers to provide support throughout the value chain of renewable energy development from both the supply and the demand side and from research and development to end market.
Spain's Secretary of State for Energy, His Excellency Dr. Fabrizio Hernández Pampaloni, congratulated the UAE in his keynote address for its role in the renewable energy sector through Masdar and their growing and successful contribution to the diversification and deployment of renewable energy.
His Excellency Dr. Fabrizio Pampaloni said: "As a worldwide leading country in renewable energies, Spain is committed to encourage investments in this sector. Spanish corporate leaders continue to not only support renewable energy and sustainable technology projects but have also entered into partnerships with international leaders including the UAE entity Masdar (Torresol project). We will continue to focus on renewable energy projects for the benefit of the region and the global community at large.
"We have also realized that the use of renewable energy sources not only contribute largely to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to enhance energy security, but also have a very positive impact on the economy, as there is ample evidence that renewable energies generate jobs, wealth and welfare. This support to renewable energies with an adequate regulatory framework has enabled companies from different countries of the world, including Masdar, to consider Spain as a reliable partner to develop their renewable projects."
Over 3,000 government officials, investors, solution providers and academia are expected to convene over the 3 days for the third edition of EFEF 2011. The forum's program includes an International 'Cleantech' Exhibition that showcases companies with cutting edge ideas and technology. Companies will present their innovative products and services to interested buyers over the next two days. In addition to focusing on the challenges to identify the key game-changing technologies and practical techniques for implementation, the forum also highlights the mounting international concern over climate change that underlines the importance of new energy sources, and the development and management of existing ones.
The third EFEF follows a series of successful events in Bilbao (2009), and London (2010) where approximately 3600 attendees witnessed opening keynote address remarks by Bianca Jagger former Chair of the World Future Council, and the Right Honorable Lord David Howell, UK Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs.
The inaugural European Future Energy Forum in Spain in 2009 attracted guests and dignitaries including: Rene Umlauft, former Head of Renewable Energy at Siemens; Robin Chase, co-founder and former CEO of Zipcar; and Sandrine Dixson-Decleve, Executive Director of the International Sustainable Energy Exchange (ISEE).
Notable guests in 2010 included industry leaders such as Chris Huhne, UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Christine Lins, Secretary-General of EREC; Kumi Naidoo, Executive Director of Greenpeace International; Philip Lowe, Director-General Energy, European Commission; Shai Weiss, Partner, Virgin Green Fund; Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Herbet Girardet, Director of Programmes, World Future Council.
Masdar will continue the dialogue from EFEF at the fifth annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES) from 16-19 January 2012, in Abu Dhabi.
About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today's fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future - developing the "greenprint" for how we will live and work tomorrow. Backed by the stability and reputation of the Mubadala Development Company, the strategic investment company of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate's long-term vision for the future of energy.
For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit: www.masdar.ae.
Stay connected: facebook.com/masdar.ae
*Source: ME NewsWire
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Contacts
Masdar
Meray Atef, +971-2-653-6014
press@masdar.ae
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar speaking at the European Future Energy Forum in Geneva (Photo: Business Wire)