A view of the WFES exhibition

The World Future Energy Summit is playing a critical role in maintaining the forward momentum the renewables sector has witnessed in recent years, providing a platform for high-level debate and collaboration

The World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the top global event for advancing renewable energy and clean technology, will return to Abu Dhabi from January 15 to 18, 2018. Part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the eleventh WFES will showcase and discuss solutions and innovations that will transform how energy is created, stored and consumed around the world.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said: "Over the last 12 months we have seen the growth of the renewable energy sector continue to accelerate, thanks to further advances in technology, greater access to financing and more supportive regulations. Today, the market potential for clean technologies is vast, but this entails challenges as well as opportunities."

"The World Future Energy Summit is playing a critical role in maintaining the forward momentum the renewables sector has witnessed in recent years, providing a platform for high-level debate and collaboration," added Al Ramahi. "In January, government and industry leaders will once again convene in Abu Dhabi, placing the UAE and the region at the heart of the global energy transformation."

UAE authorities and industry leaders including the Ministry of Energy, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa), Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea), Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Emirates Global Aluminium and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company will participate alongside global businesses including GE, Total and Siemens.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa, said: "In line with the directives of the wise leadership, headed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and as part of our efforts to achieve the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE Vision 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021, we are pleased to participate in the World Future Energy Summit once again, to exchange expertise and best practices, and share our research and development efforts to develop innovative and sustainable solutions in clean and renewable energy and streamline efforts to address the current challenges facing the energy sector.

"At WFES, we will highlight our efforts in developing major renewable energy projects, especially the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar power project in the world, with total investments of Dh50 billion and a production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030. These efforts support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, and generate 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy sources by 2050."

Dr Saif Saleh Al Sayari, director general of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea), said: "Adwea is dedicated to working towards a more sustainable future as we strive to meet the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision. New innovations and technologies are transforming the energy sector."