– India, Brazil and China highlighted as key to enabling future of renewable energy to succeed

– UAE praised for investment and foresight in renewable energy

Abu Dhabi,

Sponsors

Sponsors

Sponsors

Senior business leaders and executives from some of the world’s leading renewable energy firms met today to discuss the key drivers fuelling the growth of the renewable energy industry at the World Future Energy Summit 2011 Business Forum. Among the morning’s sessions was a discussion on the positive investment outlook for renewable energy in less developed countries, such as India, China and Brazil, as well as those in the MENA region.

Speaking during the Business Leaders in Renewable Energy session, Rene Umlauft, CEO Renewable Energy, Siemens, Germany, highlighted the advantages that developing countries hold for the development of modern smart grid technologies – technologies that deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers using two-way digital communications to control appliances at consumers’ homes – because they are a ‘clean sheet’. This means that they can ‘leapfrog’ the problems that developed countries have because they have no existing infrastructure to replace.

The panel also suggested that the focus of near term global investment in renewable energy will take place in less developed economies, citing the opportunities that wind energy possesses in these regions. Praising the success of projects such as Masdar City, the speakers were positive about the impact that the UAE will have on the future of global energy solutions, and urged delegates to rise to the challenge of joining together to solve future energy issues.

Meanwhile, the World Future Energy Summit exhibition, which is running alongside the Summit sessions, continued to attract crowds of visitors as over 600 companies exhibit their latest technologies and projects. Particular highlights for visitors to today’s exhibition include the chance to test drive a brand new zero-emission electric Mercedes A Class car, and the opportunity to walk inside the UAE’s largest water tank.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and hosted by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi based Mubadala company focused on developing commercially scalable sustainable energy solutions, the World Future Energy Summit is a unique business platform aiding the global development and commercialisation of renewable energy solutions.

The summit and the exhibitions are taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until 20th January 2011. For further information and programme details of the World Future Energy Summit 2011, visit www.worldfutureenergysummit.com