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212242
Tue, 10/11/2011 - 13:41
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UAE to tackle energy and climate change challenges, says Al Jaber

Geneva - October 11, 2011 (WAM) - The third edition of the European Future Energy Forum (EFEF), an annual conference and exhibition that gathers international businesses, industry stakeholders, organisations and government leaders to discuss key issues surrounding renewable energy, opened yesterday at Palexpo in Geneva.
President Micheline Calmy-Rey, of the Swiss Confederation and Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, welcomed participants to EFEF 2011, ‘Making Innovation Happen for a Sustainable World'.
In his keynote address, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasised the role that the United Arab Emirates has assumed in becoming a driving force and convening power in the global dialogue on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability. "The foresight, support and dedication of our leadership has enabled us to become a catalyst, for greater international dialogue and collaboration - both public and private - to maximise the effectiveness, of the world's response to the challenges of energy security and climate change," he added.
"Our involvement this week is a testament to Abu Dhabi's determination, to become the global platform for effective dialogue, on renewable energy and clean technology," he added.
Dr. Al Jaber highlighted Masdar's strategic role in the diversification of the UAE's energy mix: "For nearly five decades, the UAE has been an exporter of energy through oil and gas. We have supported the global economy and the development of our fellow nations. Masdar is here today, to build on that tradition and legacy and to continue on that path by providing sustainable energy solutions." He also emphasised the role of clean and renewable energy in creating new economic opportunities in the current state of the global economy. "Governments across the world are working diligently to balance budgets. They are defining priorities and cutting spending - any truly credible rescue package has to start with a shift towards an agenda for growth. This is where our industry has a huge role to play."
"By diversifying our energy mix and investing in clean, energy efficient solutions, we can create both energy security and sustainable growth. We can create jobs and boost economic activity," Al Jaber added.
Another key element of Dr. Al Jaber's address was a call to policymakers to provide support throughout the value chain of renewable energy development from both the supply and the demand side and from research and development to end market.
We have to ensure that the solutions for today, also serve our needs for tomorrow. And we in the United Arab Emirates, believe that collaboration is key to the success of our joint vision. There will be challenges, for every nation and every business", Al Jaber added.
But, through dialogue and partnership, he continued "I am confident, that together, we will be able to achieve our common goals and our common objectives." Spain's Secretary of State for Energy, Dr. Fabrizio Hernandez Pampaloni, congratulated the UAE in his keynote address for its role in the renewable energy sector through Masdar and their growing and successful contribution to the diversification and deployment of renewable energy.
Dr. Pampaloni said: "As a worldwide leading country in renewable energies, Spain is committed to encourage investments in this sector. Spanish corporate leaders continue to not only support renewable energy and sustainable technology projects but have also entered into partnerships with international leaders including the UAE entity Masdar (Torresol project). We will continue to focus on renewable energy projects for the benefit of the region and the global community at large." "We have also realised that the use of renewable energy sources not only contribute largely to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to enhance energy security, but also have a very positive impact on the economy, as there is ample evidence that renewable energies generate jobs, wealth and welfare. This support to renewable energies with an adequate regulatory framework has enabled companies from different countries of the world, including Masdar, to consider Spain as a reliable partner to develop their renewable projects." - Emirates News Agency, WAM

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