International event, organised by Reed Exhibitions and Elsevier, brings together leaders of government and industry to focus on sustainable energy

ABU DHABI – The World Future Energy Summit 2010, held last week in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, featured more than 150 speakers, including royalty, heads of state, ministers and leaders in sustainable energy from the public and private sectors. It was covered by media outlets around the world, including CNN and Time. 

This was the third annual alternative energy gathering held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the new headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The conference was organized by Reed Exhibitions and Elsevier for the first time. It was hosted by MASDAR, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, and attended by more than 2,000 delegates.

The summit brought together world leaders, policymakers, government and non-government representatives, industry leaders, investors, technical experts, opinion leaders and media from more than 120 countries to focus on practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy challenges and the impact on the environment and society.

The summit also featured an exhibition attended by over 20,000, with more than 600 international companies and organizations showcasing the latest technologies, innovations and services in solar, wind, bio-energy, waste management, energy efficiency, sustainable materials and water treatment.

For the past 18 months, Nigel Clear, Director of Conferences, and Henri van Dorssen, Executive Publisher – Energy, together with two external conference managers, have worked closely with Reed Exhibitions to create, plan and schedule this summit, working across boundaries and deploying Reed Elsevier’s strength and expertise in the professional energy market.

The 2010 Summit was comprised of 25 sessions, including six keynote panels and 19 specialist sessions. Topics included climate change, climate investment structures, innovation and the role of research and development, the green economy, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, renewable energy policy and regulation in developing countries, solar and wind technologies, smart grids, electric vehicles and sustainable architecture.

“MASDAR and Abu Dhabi have created a global hub for sustainable energy,” Henri said. “The Summit brings together – in one place – leaders from government, business and science. We are delighted to have played such a significant role in the success of this unique, world-class event.”

Speakers

The 150 speakers included heads of state and ministers, indicated by the title HE (His/Her Excellency):

• HE Mohamed Nasheed, President of the Republic of the Maldives

• HE Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, India

• HE Maria van der Hoeven, Minister of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands

• Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute, India

• Katarina Landis, Group VP, BP Alternative Energy

• Dr. Richard H. Jones, Deputy Executive Director, International Energy Agency

• Kevin Parker, Global Head of Deutsche Asset Management, DB Climate Change Advisors

• Zhengrong Shi, Founder and CEO of Suntech Power