Thirty industry experts, government ministers and dignitaries from across the world came together to discuss the growing need for the utilisation of solar energy, at the first edition of the Global Solar Leaders Summit, which opened yesterday (September 14) in Dubai, UAE.

Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water (Dewa), officially inaugurated the event, said a statement.

Alongside the summit, yesterday also saw the first day of Gulfsol and Gulf Glass exhibitions.

Al-Tayer said: “At Dewa, we work to boost the UAE’s position as a global role model for energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, creativity, innovation, and attracting investment in renewable energy.”

“Dewa is committed to the sustainable development and happiness of the citizens, residents, and to achieving a sustainable future for generations to come,” he added.

The speakers at the summit included: Dr Matar Al Neyadi, undersecretary, Minister of Energy, UAE; Dr Ibrahim Saif, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; Egypt’s Dr Mohammed Salah el-Sobki, executive chairman, New and Renewable Energy Authority, Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy; Dr Bertrand Piccard, chairman and pilot of Solar Impulse; and Ahmed Belhoul, CEO, Masdar.

Following its successful launch in 2013, GulfSol returned for the second time and has proved to be a popular date in the regional solar industry’s calendar. With a number of government and international exhibitors, the event provides access to the region’s leading companies, which supply cutting edge solar energy technologies and products, said the statement.

Among the exhibitors, Abdullah Nasser Al Suwaidi, director general at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), said: “As one of the world’s leading oil and gas companies, we have a long history of conservation and environmental responsibility, and we are committed to ensure harmonious balance between operational needs and natural resources.”

Muhammed Kazi, senior project manager, GulfSol, said: “Today marks a key milestone for the solar industry in the region. Not only have we seen the success of the first Global Solar Leaders Summit but we saw an influx of visitors to GulfSol 2015.”

“The summit, attended by some of the most prominent decision makers across the world, resulted in some crucial questions and we look forward to next year when we can assess the development of goals laid out,” he said.

Gulf Glass a co-located event with GulfSol also received tremendous response from visitors on day-one of the event, it added. – TradeArabia News Service