With a program highlighting the Middle East’s growing clean energy investment opportunities, the World Future 
Energy Summit (WFES) provides participants with as an unmatched platform to meet with key international players from industry, technology, finance and government to drive actionable solutions to the world’s energy challenges, according to industry leaders.
Now in its eighth year, WFES takes place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), January 17-24, which is expected to attract more than 32,000 people from 170 countries. Hosted by Masdar, ADSW is a yearly platform that addresses the interconnected challenges of energy and water security, climate risk and sustainable development.
“WFES has proven to be the most important energy conference in the Middle East for cultivating sustainable energy solutions that help countries to lower their carbon footprints,” said a representative of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a principal sponsor of WFES.
Last year, ADNOC launched a unique carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) joint venture with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. The joint venture, “Al Reyadah,” will capture CO2 from the UAE’s largest steelmaker and transfer it to oil fields operated by ADNOC, where it will be used to enhance oil recovery and ultimately be stored underground.
The large solar turnout for WFES 2015 also will include U.S.-based First Solar, which has more than 8 gigawatts of installed capacity globally. Ahmed S. Nada, vice president for the Middle East, said: “First Solar has been a longstanding partner of the World Future Energy Summit and we are looking forward to its 2015 edition. From past experience, the Summit and its exhibition provide an excellent platform to showcase our solutions, spotlight our expertise and thought leadership, and connect with our collaborators.”
Wind energy is another sector with tremendous growth potential that will be in focus at WFES. Steve Sawyer, secretary general of the Global Wind Energy Council and a panelist in a WFES discussion on local content requirements for stimulating energy industry growth, observed: “WFES is a unique gathering, bringing together an eclectic selection of the key players in the industry with policymakers from the region and globally. As it coincides with the IRENA General Assembly, it has become a key event on the circuit for anyone serious about the global renewable energy industry.”
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an Abu Dhabi government initiative to address the interconnected challenges affecting energy, water and sustainable development. Taking place every January, ADSW comprises the World Future Energy Summit, International Water Summit and EcoWaste, as well as the general assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). ADSW is the largest gathering on sustainability in the Middle East, attracting global policy makers, industry thought leaders and clean technology innovators together with 32,000 delegates and visitors from more than 170 countries.
