Participants in World Energy Forum Alternative Energy Session discuss the implementation of new technologies

Presiding over the session was Dr. Ali Sayigh, Chairman of the World Renewable Energy Congress, who instigated conversations on the importance and long-lasting implications of, and recent advances in, alternative energy.

The discussion shed light on alternative energy sources as a clean substitute for fossil fuels, and, as such, a viable solution to controlling climate change and preventing contamination of natural environments. The speakers at the roundtable discussed topics spanning wind, water and solar power, as well as waste management, geothermal electricity generation and biofuels.

Dignitaries attending included HE Mr. Gul Sherali, Minister of Energy and Industry, Republic of Tajikistan, HE Mr. Rolph Antoine Payet, Minister of Environment and Energy, Republic of Seychelles, HE Mr. Alaa Batayne, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources & Transport, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, HE Dr. Artur Trindade, Secretary of State for Energy, Portuguese Republic, HE Mr. Mohammad Mejbahuddin, Secretary of Energy and Mineral Resources Division, People's Republic of Bangladesh, HE Mr. Darcy Boyce, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barbados, HE Mr. Edmond Haxhinasto, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Trade & Energy, Republic of Albania and HE Mr. Shavkat Khamraeu, First Deputy, Minister of Agriculture and Water, Uzbekistan.

Participants in the Alternative Energy Session discussed the benefits and drawbacks of alternative energy sources. Additionally, they explored the importance of research and development investment, in encouraging growth within the alternative energy industry.

During his speech, Sherali revealed that his country is planning to modernize current hydropower stations, so as to improve its transport system and energy mix, as well as eventually export resources. Payet shared his concerns regarding the Republic of Seychelles' energy sector; he spoke about the need for different sources of renewable energy, the implementation of an enabling legal framework and the importance of education, awareness and efficiency.

The UAE has long recognized the importance of alternative energy solutions.In fact, the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 plans to have natural gas generate 71% of overall energy, while the remainder 24% would rely on clean coal and nuclear power, and 5% will be derived from renewable resources, such as solar energy.