WAM Abu Dhabi, 20 Oct. 2012 (WAM) - In association with Masdar, the Asian Future Energy Forum (AFEF) kicks off in Singapore this Monday. From October 22-24, the forum is a platform to showcase the latest technologies and discuss energy-related challenges and opportunities in the emerging Asian market. The theme of the forum is Powering Sustainable Innovation in Asia.
"AFEF is an extension of the World Future Energy Summit and Masdar's commitment to drive collaboration and dialogue around renewable energy policy, investment and innovation," said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multifaceted renewable energy company. "We brought this important platform to Singapore, as the nation has a strong commitment to advancing the renewable energy industry and we see opportunities to share knowledge and explore partnerships." AFEF is the continuation of a series of energy forums hosted by Masdar. First launched in Bilbao, Spain in 2009, Masdar has also hosted energy forums in London, England and Geneva, Switzerland. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Government, Masdar is committed to ushering in the new energy economy - a future where hydrocarbons, renewables and clean technologies complement each other to balance the global supply of energy.
"In Asia, renewable energy is a rapidly growing industry, contributing to the region's demand for electricity," said Dr. Al Jaber. "AFEF underscores Masdar's interest in markets with tremendous growth potential. The company is well-positioned to export its sector expertise to meet the fast-changing market demands in Asia." Singapore is the appropriate backdrop for AFEF. The city-state has demonstrated a strong commitment to investing and growing the renewable energy sector. In fact, the Singapore Economic Development Board has reported that by 2015, the clean energy industry is expected to create 7,000 jobs across a broad range of areas, including solar power, fuel cells, wind power, energy efficiency and carbon services. In addition, the UAE and Singapore have strong partnerships and are already members of the Green Group, a Ministerial level group which focuses on water and energy security along with other like-minded nations such as Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Slovenia.
"Singapore is an example of Asia's immense potential," said Dr. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, director of sustainability, Masdar. "The country embodies how innovation can support economic growth and solve some of our greatest challenges. AFEF is an important platform that unites business, finance, research and government communities to work together to find practical solutions that accelerate the adoption of renewable energy." The forum in Singapore will help set the tone for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), taking place January 13-17, 2013. The event will attract an anticipated 30,000 participants from 150 countries to Abu Dhabi for what will be the largest gathering on sustainability in the history of the Middle East.
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Source: WAM