Abu Dhabi hosts 1st Energy Summit post-Bali

Since the dramatic UN conference on climate change in Bali, this will be the first major summit, where Government, Business and NGOs gather in Abu Dhabi next month to address energy alternatives and progress global co-operation on future energy.

Under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Summit promises to be the largest and most comprehensive event on future energy to date and will include 78 high profile speakers. Over 180 leading international exhibitors from energy, finance, green construction, government and environment sectors will be on show.

Major announcements and contributions are expected from HRH Prince Charles, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives, President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland and President Ismail Omer Guelleh of Djibouti. There will be 13 overseas Energy Ministers, State Secretaries from Germany and Norway also participating.

Shell, BP, Total, Occidental and International Power top management will join top financers from Credit Suisse, Standard Charter and Merrill Lynch as well as Greenpeace International and Forum for the Future as business, government and NGO's clarify positions on energy and climate crisis issues.

H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, secretary general of the Abu Dhabi executive council, President Olafur Ragner Grimsson of Iceland, William McDonough, Time magazine hero of the planet, Lord Browne, former CEO of BP and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar will be opening the summit. Commenting on his involvement, President Grimsson of Iceland said, "My country transformed its energy systems from being over 80% dependent on coal and oil into having all of its electricity and heating consumption produced by clean energy."

Sustainable Architecture and Green Buildings, Future Energy Policy and Strategy, Finance and Investment, Research and Education, will be covered in Plenary sessions over the 3 days. Day 2 will focus on Carbon Management, Waste to Energy, Solar Energy, Clean Transportation, Geo-thermal, Fuel Cells, Ocean Power, Biofuels, Wind Energy.

Lord Norman Foster will be closing the summit on Jan 23. Day 3 will include carbon neutral buildings, urban density and design, financing sustainable development and sustainable cities.

Michael Philipp, Chairman and CEO of Credit Suisse Europe Middle East and Africa, stated "We are pleased to be involved in this important event. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to explore the future of the energy industry, including alternative energy in the Middle East." The summit's principal sponsor will be hosting the Credit Suisse Innovation Zone including a Wembley stadium model, Lotus engineering and south pole carbon management exhibitions.

Welcome registration by BP, Shell Meet at the Globe, Future Energy Theatre by Standard Chartered, lunches by Merrill Lynch, refreshments by International Power and Occidental, VIP lounge by Total, Time out pavilion by Dolphin Energy and exhibitor lounge by Time Magazine are planned for professionals to meet and conduct business. Many companies are using the summit to implement green marketing such as Standard Chartered who have designed their stand using only recycled wood.

Carbon emission capturing technology (CSS), electric and hydrogen cars and the latest technological advancements across all industry sectors will be on display during the 3 day exhibition. Austria, Canada, China, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan and the UK are all hosting pavilions with leading technology from each country.

The World Future Energy Summit will call on the international community to protect the stability of global energy markets, reaffirm the need to use energy for sustainable development and emphasise the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.