ABU DHABI // Thousands of delegates from around the world gathered in the capital on Monday to discuss ways to tackle climate change through the adoption of sustainable energy.
The eighth World Future Energy Summit began with a plea from Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi for global action to address climate change.
“Addressing these challenges requires a conscious partnership with the international community,” Mr El Sisi told delegates at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. “Look after your nations. It is change, not destruction, that is needed.”
The summit, a leading feature of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will include talks and workshops, and display efforts towards the development of sustainable energy and eco-friendly models of living.
Mr El Sisi said the summit should provide vital discussions on challenges facing energy, water and sustainable development.
He said Egypt planned to lift the use of renewables to 20 per cent of its total energy needs by 2020, as part of its long-term solution.
That would be achieved through a comprehensive strategy that includes the adoption of all sources of energy, Mr El Sisi said.
“As part of the strategy, Egypt plans to build a 4,300 megawatt source of solar and wind power over the next three years,” he said.
He said the World Future Energy Summit was an essential forum to debate the challenges facing sustainable development and renewable resources.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the green future energy company Masdar, said Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week would help to attract investment and cultivate partnerships to accelerate technologies that can benefit the UAE.
“Renewable energy is a critical component for building a sustainable future and has today graduated from an expensive alternative to a competitive technology of choice,” Dr Al Jaber said in his opening address.
He said there had been a sharp decline in the cost of sustainable energy infrastructure, which has led to renewables becoming the fastest-growing source of energy.
Investments in renewables in the UAE increased 16 per cent last year and resulted in more than US$310 billion (Dh1.13 trillion) being dedicated to the sector.
“This is a historic year for the UAE,” Dr Al Jaber said.
“As the country embarks on its ‘Year of Innovation’, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will help to attract investment and cultivate partnership to accelerate technologies that can benefit our country.”
nalwasmi@thenational.ae