Masdar, founder of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), has joined hands with Turret Middle East, the 2009 WFES conference organiser to host the 'European Future Energy Forum' in Bilbao, Spain from June 9 to 11.

Masdar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), established the World Future Energy Summit as part of its mission to develop a global platform for collaboration in renewable energy and sustainability.

The European Future Energy Forum (EFEF) will expand this platform to provide direct linkages to a leading region in future energy technologies and solutions, said a top official.

"The EFEF was created based on the direction of Abu Dhabi's visionary leaders, who have stressed the importance of transferring Masdar's pioneering World Future Energy Summit experience to the world," explained Masdar CEO, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.

"Europe and Bilbao in Spain in particular, have a good record in the renewable energy domain and will be the starting point for us to expand our platform to exchange ideas and experiences with the global renewable energy sector," Al Jaber noted.

"The support of government leaders and energy experts at WFES 2009, which was attended by more than 18,000 visitors from 70 countries, was another critical element in encouraging us to take our experience to the international arena," he added.

"Given the current economic situation, we believe this is the time to be competitive, creative and innovative. Our goal is to drive the development of clean energy sources that are instrumental in advancing renewable energy."

"By bringing the European Future Energy Forum to Europe, we are looking to create opportunities and partnerships in renewable energy that will be a stimulus for economic growth for the region, and beyond,” Al Jaber said.

“Furthermore, through these open platforms for collaboration Abu Dhabi aims to continue its leadership in the energy sector, and share its knowledge with others,” added Al Jaber.

The Forum, similar to its parent-event WFES, will be a platform to deliver solutions to the world’s energy challenges.

The Forum will take both a European and global perspective on a range of themes including energy policy, investment and funding, green buildings, clean transport, solar, wind and biofuels.

The discussions will also centre on the European Union’s 20 percent renewable energy targets by 2020, and will examine the technologies and policies required to achieve these targets.

"If you want to be a player in the renewable industry in Europe, the timing to take action is crucial as there are tremendous market opportunities in this industry segment. The leveling effect of the credit crunch means competitiveness lies once again in innovation,” said Richard Hease, chairman of Turret ME.

The Forum aims to attract over 5,000 visitors to 6 keynote sessions, 30 expert workshops, 100 roundtable meetings and unique networking opportunities.-TradeArabia News Service