UAE sends strong message of partnership to Chinese for a cleaner future

The UAE Embassy in China hosted a high-level reception for Chinese institutions, government and trade officials and dignitaries in honour of Chairman Wang Chuanfu, founder and president of BYD Company Limited and Lifetime Achievement winner of the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize. The attendance of the reception included Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, Omar Ahmad Adi Al Bitar, UAE Ambassador to China; Chairman of BYD Company Limited, Wang Chuanfu, and senior representatives of Chinese renewable energy companies that demonstrated strong interest in engaging with UAE and the Zayed Future Energy Prize. At the reception, Chuanfu was once again recognised for his impact, innovation and leadership in the renewable energy industry, as well as his long-term vision in founding BYD (Build your Dreams) as a 29-year old. BYD is today one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rechargeable batteries and a market leader in electric buses and grid-scale energy storage systems. In his remarks at the ceremony, Al Jaber said: “The world needs innovative solutions that address issues such as energy access and sustainable development. Inspiring change-makers such as Chairman Wang are exactly who the Zayed Future Energy Prize Lifetime Achievement Award seeks to recognise.” “China is the biggest renewables market in the world and we would like to see increased Chinese participation in the prize across large and small companies, NGOs, individuals and high schools working in renewable energy and sustainability. The prize can help Chinese companies gain international recognition and funding, which can ultimately support their growth,” added Al Jaber. On his part, Al Bitar said, “The Zayed Future Energy Prize is among the many initiatives by UAE government to address the pressing energy and climate challenges of our time. A global challenge such as this needs global participation, and UAE would like to send out a strong message of collaboration and partnership to our Chinese counterparts in working together to find solutions for a cleaner energy future.” China is undergoing an important transformation, moving away from traditional forms of power generation and developing a robust renewable energy sector. The country has a leading position in wind power and solar heating globally and enjoys strong government support and investment. One of the world’s highest emitters of greenhouse gases, the country has rolled-out initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 - 45 per cent from its 2005 levels and increase the use of renewable energy from around nine per cent of its current total energy mix to 15 per cent by 2020. The Zayed Future Energy Prize is a US$4 million prize awarded annually to large and small companies, NGOs, high schools and individuals that have made significant contributions to the future of energy and sustainability. In six years, the prize has rewarded 30 innovators and impacted communities across the world. Submissions for the seventh edition of the prize are open until July 14. – Emirates News Agency, WAM