Jan 11 2008
The inaugural World Future Energy Summit will be attended by leaders and experts from Asia and around the world and will convene to stimulate innovative solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of our times: energy conservation, energy security, the environment and truly sustainable human development.
WFES will be the largest meeting of the "future energy" movement and promises to be the premier event for world leaders to find solutions for the global energy problems. Among the 1,500 WFES delegates will be: three Presidents, 13 Ministers of Energy and/or Environment (including the US Secretary of Energy and the EU Commissioner for Energy), NGOs (including the head of Greenpeace International), investors and scores of chief executives from energy, technology, infrastructure and heavy industry companies. Delegates from Asian nations, such as Japan and China will also be in attendance.
These delegates aren't coming to Abu Dhabi to "talk shop" -- they will preview new solutions and technologies, seek partners and generate deals, making it the place to be for anyone who covers every aspect of energy and the environment.
WFES is hosted by Masdar, which means "the source" in Arabic ( http://www.masdaruae.com ). Masdar is a multi-billion initiative to establish the single largest global center and network, based in Abu Dhabi, for the development AND commercialization of alternative energy sources and clean technology solutions. Masdar is opening an academic institution in collaboration with MIT; they have already launched a clean-technology investment fund; and they have multiple commercial joint-ventures already announced or in the works with leading multi-national companies in the energy, technology and heavy industry sectors.
All of this activity will be housed in the Masdar Zone, an entirely new six square kilometer city, which was designed by Foster + Partners. It will be the world's first entirely carbon-neutral city, relying on a host of clean technologies and solutions, including the world's largest photo-voltaic power source. The first occupants will take up residency in 2009. I've attached a brochure on the city, and you can view a five minute film about the City at http://www.masdaruae.com/text/v-files.aspx .
WFES occurs under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who will preside over the Welcoming Ceremonies. WFES Conference Co-Sponsors include Credit Suisse, Shell, Total and BP.