Press Release
Abu Dhabi to Host Fourth World Future Energy Summit in 2011
‘Enabling Future Energy Solutions’ - Embracing MENA Region’s considerable potential as the world’s renewable energy powerhouse
Abu Dhabi, 27 July 2010: Reed Exhibitions today announced the programme for the World Future Energy Summit 2011 (WFES), the foremost and must-attend annual meeting of world leaders, investors, policy makers, researchers, financial institutions and experts dedicated to renewable energy.
WFES 2011 will take place in Abu Dhabi over four days, from January 17-20, 2011, and will this year focus on the theme of Enabling Future Energy Solutions. It is expected that one of the key discussion topics will be how to utilise the MENA Region’s enormous potential to become one of the world’s largest producers of renewable energy.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and hosted by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi based Mubadala company focused on developing commercially scalable sustainable energy solutions, the World Future Energy Summit is a unique business platform aiding the global development and commercialisation of renewable energy solutions.
The MENA region is receiving increasing global attention as its potential as a source of renewable energy production emerges. Recent research from Booz & Company indicates that as a result of high solar radiation levels and good wind resources, the region has the potential to offer 45 per cent of the world’s total renewable energy generation based on measurement of existing generation capacity.
Furthermore, the research showed that if this resource is fully harnessed the region could be capable of producing three times the world’s total current power demand . WFES 2011 is therefore expected to attract even greater numbers of visitors than last year’s event, which attracted 24,792 attendees from 148 different countries, including heads of state, energy and environment ministers from around the world.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, stated, “Inspired by the vision of our leadership, Abu Dhabi is leading the global response to the defining challenge of our time, climate change and energy security. As part of a comprehensive approach, the World Future Energy Summit exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing a platform for the world’s energy industry to come together and helps to facilitate the search for viable, commercial solutions that address today's energy challenges. Already since its inception in 2008 the summit has established itself as the foremost event for the renewable energy and environment industry, firmly positioning the Emirate as an emerging global hub for future energy.”
Commenting on the forthcoming event, Frederic Theux, President, Reed Exhibitions, said, “The global demand for energy, combined with depleting fossil fuel reserves, requires a global response to the challenges of enabling future energy solutions that are both secure and sustainable. The World Future Energy Summit provides a unique opportunity for world leaders and renewable energy experts to move forward with an integrated and collaborative approach. It is important that the world’s experts have a forum to address the most pertinent issues affecting the future of energy globally, and to discuss the needs of the public and private sectors in overcoming these challenges.
“Borne of a commitment to promote and advance innovation, research and regulation of the future of renewable energy, WFES is the only event that enables policy creators and business decision makers to come together to find solutions to the world’s energy challenges. The MENA region’s increasingly strategic role in the development of renewable energy is expected to be a key topic of discussion at this year’s event. The region has the potential to provide 45% of the world’s total renewable energy output, thanks to its favourable geography and climate; therefore, it is particularly significant that Abu Dhabi continues to play a central role as the stage on which these important global discussions are held.”
Building on the unprecedented success of the 2010 edition, the four day Summit programme for 2011 is structured around four key themes for the renewable energy industry: policy, business, technology and finance. In each themed Summit Day, international policy makers, business leaders, innovators and financiers will discuss the issues that matter most to delegates from sectors such as solar, wind, energy efficiency, biofuels, geothermal and hydropower. Hot topics under discussion will include building green cities, e-mobility, transforming policy into business opportunities, overcoming the challenges of energy storage and financing future energy projects.
WFES 2011 will feature two exhibitions: The World Future Energy Exhibition, focusing on advanced and renewable energy, and The World Future Environment Exhibition dedicated to air, water and waste management technologies and solutions. Last year’s exhibition saw a 34 per cent increase in visitor numbers on 2009 and it is expected that the 2011 event will even surpass this success, hosting 600 leading players in the production, installation and integration of products in the renewable energy value chain. Bellwethers, growth companies and start ups will come together to promote existing climate change technologies, the latest innovations and inspiring research and development projects. Prominent international and local organisations offering energy solutions in solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel, hydropower and energy efficiency in addition to water treatment, waste management and air pollution, have already confirmed their attendance.
WFES 2011 has been designed to be even more flexible than previous years, with delegates able to either attend the whole four day summit, or to choose to attend certain days that are themed around their specific area of interest.
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Notes to Editors:
About World Future Energy Summit
World Future Energy Summit “WFES” was inaugurated in January 2008. It has evolved as the world’s foremost and must-attend annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. In 2010 WFES uniquely brought together over 24,760 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges.
WFES promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. It represents an unrivalled business platform bringing together project owners and solution providers with investors and buyers from both the public and private sectors.
About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable and alternative 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, an investment vehicle of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy
About Reed Exhibitions
Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008 Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organised by 38 fully staffed offices.
Reed organises a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewellery, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security safety, sports & recreation, travel.
Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations and government departments Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.
Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and world-leading publisher and information provider. In 2007, Reed Elsevier made an adjusted profit before taxation of £998 million on turnover of £4,584 million.
