Masdar, region's future energy leader, sets new vision for energy cooperation: Reinventing energy is the way forward

'The world needs a portfolio of solutions,' said Dr. Sultan. 'It can no longer be hydrocarbons or renewables. It is a combination of both.'

Masdar, Abu Dhabi's response to the need for cleaner future energy solutions, is the region's leader in the research, development and deployment of renewable energy and sustainability related technologies.

Speaking to an audience of senior government representatives, energy specialists and policymakers about future energy sources in the Gulf, al Jaber challenged the current approach to sustainable energy solutions, calling for greater collaboration across the energy sectors - and reminding the audience that the best role renewable energy can play is to extend the life of these sectors, to complement them and not to replace them.

Environmental responsibility is not new to Abu Dhabi, or indeed to the UAE. His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE who received many honors for his environmental and sustainable development efforts in the region, believed that preserving the region's natural resources was an important way to honor the region's heritage, Al Jaber said.

UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan carried on this tradition this week when he announced the UAE's contribution of $150 million to a fund to study and develop future energy solutions.

'Hearing such news is truly rewarding for us here at Masdar,' al Jaber said. 'We were proud to take the region's first step towards sustainable energy two years ago, and we are delighted that the Masdar mission has proven to resonate throughout the region.'

Based on the directives of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Masdar initiative will be researching, developing and deploying new energy technologies and solutions in photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind energy. In doing so, Masdar will cover the entire development curve of these new technologies and ensure that Abu Dhabi has maximum exposure to energy technologies of the future.

In January 2008, Masdar will organize and host the first World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi. WFES will be the world's largest conference and exhibition on future energy solutions, innovations, investments, and policy.