Conserve resources

The three-day event, which drew 4,000 energy sector stakeholders from the UAE and other Arab and foreign countries, also stressed the need for a legislative framework that facilitates the application of technologies and encourages investment in clean energy in the region.

Energy experts and researchers, who attended the forum, stressed the importance of cooperation and partnership between the public and private energy sectors in the region, which is vital for the implementation of clean energy projects.

The forum also endorsed the importance of prioritising energy efficiency when creating energy demand management strategies.

It concluded that renewable energy has great potential in the region, and regional governments have placed renewable energy development high on their agenda.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman, Emirates Green Building Council, UAE, addressing the session on Wednesday.

“The role of governments in national strategies and the integration of diverse energy sources is essential in helping to achieve sustainable development,” the forum said in a communique.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice-president of the Supreme Council, and Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, secretary-general of the Supreme Council, presented awards to the forum’s sponsors, speakers and moderators for their efforts in making DGEF 2013.

The debates that have taken place over the three days have brought together a wide range of energy experts from both the public and private sectors, who have exchanged views on several key topics including: sustainability, ways to generate energy, how to finance green projects, the available forms of renewable energy, sustainable transport, techniques for converting waste to energy, energy efficiency, and climate change.

On the final day of the forum, the debate was centered on urban planning, climate change and green cities. Experts discussed climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, carbon management and carbon capture and storage, alongside integrated physical planning. Education, community awareness and capacity building were also all underlined as essential.

— issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com