ABU DHABI // Collaborations between the United States and the UAE in the energy sector will help to fully develop the global industry in the future.
In his speech “Energy and Security in a Changing World”, Daniel Poneman, the US deputy secretary of energy, said both countries were global leaders in the field and that there had been several positive changes to the industry.
Speaking at Al Bateen Palace, he noted that the late Sheikh Zayed, Founder of the UAE, began looking into natural gas resources from the very beginning.“We have all been living through profound energy changes and Sheikh Zayed has changed a desert land into greenery. He started long before it was fashionable in the UAE.”
Mr Poneman said it was important for both countries to look into “pathways to a better, cleaner future” by creating more job opportunities and further prosperity.
He praised the leadership’s direction in the UAE for their decisions regarding safe energy use and consumption.
Referring to the safe nuclear power plant in Baraka, Mr Poneman said: “The UAE demonstrated to the world that it is possible to develop safe, consistent nuclear energy.”
He told those assembled how impressed he was visiting the site.
“I witnessed thousands of workers carrying out sophisticated work,” he said, encouraging audience members to visit the site.
The UAE plays a global role in the energy industry, Mr Poneman said and certain efforts would bring about technological breakthroughs that would continue to develop the important relationship between the two countries.
He said the two were “deeply committed” to the relationship in the energy industry and there would be ongoing research for new technology to fully understand the implications and uses of all energies.
Mr Poneman also stressed giving energy and support to those in need.
“There are more than 600,000 Africans who don’t have electricity. We have a moral obligation to give power to those who need it. Africa presents real opportunities.”
The lecture was given at Tuesday’s majlis of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Attending the lecture was Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Hamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, and several sheikhs, ministers and senior officials and ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
