Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam has hailed India’s recently launched programme for solar energy station that will generate 20,000 Megawatts power by the year 2020.
"We are very happy to have a sustainable energy programme," Kalam, who is in the UAE to attend the Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011, said.
"Sustainability comes in two things. Number one is availability. The second one is whether we can have a green energy future. I’m very happy that Dubai Global Energy Forum is addressing green energy," he said adding that there are national interest as well as international interests involved in the subject.
The forum is being organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy from April 17-19, 2011. The forum will see the participation of global leaders and experts in the energy sector, from both public and private companies, international organisations and academic institutions to participate in plenary sessions and sharing experiences, knowledge and visions on present and future sustainable energy sources. Dubai Global Energy Forum 2011, organized by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, will kick off tonight (Sunday April 17th) at hall 8 in Dubai world Trade Center under the theme "Energy Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future".
The event will provide a platform for internationally-recognised experts to speak about the opportunities and challenges facing the energy sector, in line with the strategy of the Dubai government 2015 to enhance sustainable economic development in the emirate.
Amongst those already confirmed to speak at DGEF 2011 are Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and one of its most distinguished scientists, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, and other specialists from 20 countries around the globe.
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, pointed out that energy is a main engine of sustainable development and is an important factor within the economic and social plans adopted by all countries. This requires us all to examine the issue of energy and discuss it from various angles and views to gain multiple access to the best ways to save energy that is generated from various sources, be it oil, gas, renewable energy or peaceful nuclear energy, taking into account the environmental aspects that must be dealt with as top priority in this regard.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed also noted that the forum, held for the first time in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has the full support of the government as it works with the rest of the world in securing energy resources to meet the globe’s urban development plans from various alternative sources in addition to modern and traditional ones.
His Highness further explained that this forum will discuss major issues related to energy, environment and sustainability, which are the most dynamic sectors in the world. "The forum will address best practice issues in the field of oil and gas, renewable energy and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and discuss current policies and explore the outlook for this important sector, as well as programs, technologies and investment opportunities," His Highness added.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed added that the speakers list of the forum include Professor APJ Abdul Kalam – the former President of the Republic of India, Dr Mohamed ElBaradei – the former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2005, Mr. Adnan Amin – Director-General of the International Agency for Renewable Energy "Irina", and Mr. Simon Cooper – CEO of HSBC Bank Middle East and North Africa.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the forum noted that the Council is the body entrusted with managing all energy-related activities in the emirate of Dubai since its establishment under law No. 19 of 2009 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The law enabled the Council to oversee all energy-related activities in the emirate, secure and ensure the sustainability of energy in Dubai, grouping under its umbrella a number of companies and institutions involved in the energy field in the emirate.
The setting up of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy was preceded by many leading initiatives in the environmental that were initiated by His Highness Skeikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, including the establishment of the Zayed International Prize for the Environment, followed by the implementation of Green Buildings initiative, which opened the door before a new era of constructing environmentally friendly buildings in Dubai.
