ADSW 2017 Day 1 - 16 Jan 2017

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S01 ADSW Dailies Day1 2017 - Start_Layout 1 15/01/2017 16:20 Page 1

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DAILY NEWS

DAY 1, 16 JAN 2017

HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2017 EVENT With solid progress made since the Paris Agreement, the focus is on maintaining green energy momentum. The spirit of global cooperation is important at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. (Image credit: IRENA)

The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2016 was held in Abu Dhabi with the Paris Climate Change Agreement creating a sense of urgency about action on sustainability. The Paris Agreement was signed at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in 2015 and the mood of last year’s event was optimistic. In 2016, WFES attracted 600 companies from 32 countries, and more than 30,000 attendees from 150 countries. WFES is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the week will also incorporate Solar Expo, the International Water Summit, the Eco Waste exhibition and the Energy Efficiency Expo. At last year’s opening ceremony, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, commented: “Never

before has the political will to address climate change and achieve sustainable development been so resolute … and never before have market forces aligned so closely with political choices.” Dr Ahmad Belhoul, then CEO of Masdar, gave an upbeat welcome address on the financial benefits of green energy last year: “The economic case for renewables is clear. Let’s all use this global platform to take action.” He cited Jordan’s first wind power project, Morocco’s ambitious target of more than 50 per cent renewables in its energy mix by 2030 and the UAE’s target of 24 per cent renewables by 2021 as examples of the commitment to sustainable energy in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region. Since that address, further advances have been made in the region in the field of renewable energy

CONTENTS News from around the world on green energy trends

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The Zayed Future Energy Prize again sets a high standard

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Renewable energy development moves ahead in East Africa

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Interview: Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar

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South African interns develop skills for sustainability

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Pavilion focus: Exhibitors from Germany and France

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Gallery: Last year’s event highlights in pictures

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