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International Conference On Renewable Energy Begins In Abu Dhabi
(26 September 2010)

 

The five-day conference on Renewable Energy being organized by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN) - UK bringing together more than 500 scholars, researchers and experts began in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The conference, held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), aims to enhance energy supply security without damage to the environment, and to encourage improved information and education on renewable energy.

The conference, which is being held in the Armed Officers Club and Hotel in Abu Dhabi from September 26 – 30, 2010 with a wide representation of expert speakers, was inaugurated by H.E. Mohammed Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate and EAD’s Managing Director.

In his opening speech, H.E Mohammed Al Bowardi welcomed scientists, researchers and experts from 92 countries who have gathered to discuss various issues related to the efficient application of economic renewable energy technologies. He said “The concept of sustainable development is based on three essential pillars; economic development, social development and environmental sustainability.  When we develop our Emirate’s strategy and policies, we aim to maintain an important balance between these areas. Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 also reflects the importance we’ve given to environmental sustainability”.

H.E Al Bowardi noted that in order to achieve environmental sustainability, it was essential to ensure the wise use of our natural resources, and protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of human activities such as air pollution. “The UAE is part of the global community and so we share the cares of this planet and its problems. We are benefiting from international expertise to arrive at solutions to our problems. Included in the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision is a commitment towards reducing the impact of human activities on the ecological balance of the cosmic and particularly in relation to protection of the atmosphere from the dangers of climate change” he added.

He stressed that “The UAE, like the rest of the world, believes in the importance of shifting towards sustainable urban planning for cities, and the creation of technologies to generate renewable energy to ensure the reduction of irrational exploitation of fossil energy sources.”

“The UAE has taken the necessary steps to achieve international standards when it comes to green buildings and renewable energy. For example, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, in cooperation with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, has adopted the concept of green buildings to transform Abu Dhabi into a leading model for capitals seeking sustainability. Our buildings will be designed to ensure rationalisation of energy and water use and have a low environmental footprint,” H.E Al Bowardi said.

Al Bowardi said “Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company-MASDAR- has also invested in the financial and human resources necessary to achieve its goals and to face the challenge of providing renewable energy sources at a cost that can be available to developing countries.”

“Abu Dhabi and the UAE are intent on becoming one of the leading countries in its transition towards sustainable development. Today not only do we host the International Renewable Energy Agency, we continue to preserve our fragile biodiversity, protect our native species from extinction and raise environmental awareness..

Prof. Ali Sayigh, Chairman of WREC, also spoke at the opening session. He said “With the accelerated approach of the global climate-change point-of-no-return the need to address the pivotal role of renewable energy in the formation of coping strategies, rather than prevention, is more crucial than ever”.

“WREC/WREN was established in 1990 with a founding membership of 22-countries. Twenty years later we have containing 158 countries. This is our 20th anniversary and it is happening in the country which had completely embraced Renewable Energy by having the largest renewable energy city in the world- MASDAR” he added.

Al Sayigh said that “The formation of MASDAR by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, gave a signal to the world that Abu Dhabi is an oil exporting company and is also setting a unique example up an example and showing the young generation that care of the energy through clean energy- renewable sources, is the way forward to suitable future for all generations to enjoy”.

H.E. Dr Hadi Azizzada, Advisor & Deputy Director General of ISESCO, speaking at the opening session said that “In order to mitigate the damages done to our environment, due to unsustainable activities, the international community shoulders a great responsibility”. We need to rapidly develop sustainable solutions through the promotion of renewable resources of energy through research and innovation and take all precautionary measures to protect the biosphere. This is in order to fulfill our moral obligations and responsibilities toward our future,” he added. He said “The use of renewable energies resources offers more practical long-term energy solutions and can help to ensure future energy demands are met in a sustainable way.”

Mrs. Helene Pelosse, Interim Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said that there are six main sources of renewable energy and they are: bio-energy (agricultural and industrial residues, waste, forests, energy crops), geothermal, hydropower (large and small), ocean (wave, tidal, osmosis, thermal), solar (photovoltaic, solar thermal) and wind (on-shore and off-shore). She noted that the global consumption of renewable energy is currently 18%. In 2009, sources of renewable energy came from large hydropower energy (920 GW - gigawatt), wind (159 GW), small hydropower (85 GW), biomass power (54 GW), solar photovoltaic grid connected (21 GW), geothermal power (11 GW), Concentrated Solar Power (0,7 GW) and tidal power (0,3 GW).

Speaking about the future of renewable energy, she said that by 2050, there could be 50% dependence of renewable energy. She added that there could be double digit growth rates of photovoltaic and wind in the coming years, where it is expected that 60% of new energy sources in Europe will be coming from renewable energy.

Dr. Osman Bencheikh, Head of the Energy Programme at UNESCO, also spoke during the opening session. He said that today the world faces new challenges as a result of unequal economic development, environmental degradation, demographic change, political transformations and globalization. Major threats to human security such as global climate change, the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and loss of biological diversity are testing our intellectual capabilities. Sustainable solutions, whether at the global, regional or national level, require advances in scientific knowledge and understanding, integration of research and education and identification of practical measures for action.

An exhibition featuring many national and international exhibitors covering equipment and devices related to building technology, renewable energy and environment was also inaugurated after the opening session.

Plenary sessions will be held daily were top experts, scholars and researchers will present their finding and give an up-to-date account of progress in all aspects of renewable energy.

For more information about the conference sessions and papers you can visit WREN Website at: www.wrecuk.co.uk
 



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