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 panelsand 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 ourexpertise 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 Weekfrom 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).
Editor’s Note
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, January 13-17, 2013, will attract an anticipated 30,000 participants from 150 countries to Abu Dhabi for what will be the largest gathering on sustainability in the history of the Middle East. ADSW will provide a platform for leaders to address the business, technology and financial challenges required for sustainable development and consider investments and partnerships that can deliver real world solutions. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will include the following five events: the 6th edition of the World Future Energy Summit; the International Renewable Energy Conference; the International Water Summit; the 5th annual Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards Ceremony; and the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
For more information about Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, visit: www.abudhabisustainabilityweek.com
World Future Energy Summit
The annual World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi is the world’s foremost gathering dedicated to promoting sustainable technologies. Celebrating its sixth year in 2013, it is the leading international event for government and industry decision makers committed to finding viable, sustainable solutions to the world’s growing energy challenges.
The summit is an unparalleled forum for political, business and intellectual debate, and for networking and transactions between manufacturers, suppliers and customers in both the public and private sector.
It comprises a world-class conference, a large-scale exhibition, and an annual celebration of the winners of Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Future Energy Prize, which recognizes global achievement in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable development.
Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, the World Future Energy Summit also features the Project and Finance Village, the Young Future Energy Leaders programme, round table discussions, and various corporate events and social engagements.
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, the World Future Energy Summit 2013 runs from January 15-17 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
For more information about the 2013 World Future Energy Summit, visit: www.worldfutureenergysummit.com
