The region’s first Global Solar Leaders Summit will kick start GulfSol 2015, a three-day event focused on solar technology and the energy-rich region’s drive toward clean energy, tomorrow (September 14) in Dubai, UAE.

The Mena region, which is expected to attract more than $50 billion investment in solar power over the next five years, has been the focus of solar energy experts over the last decade.

The Global Solar Leaders Summit, which has attracted key government ministers from across the region as keynote speakers, will provide a platform for discussion about the future of solar energy in the region.

Dr Mater Al Neyadi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy, will present a keynote address to the summit about the UAE’s plans for renewable energy.

Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Ibrahim Saif’s keynote address will cover the reform of the energy sector in Jordan, followed by a keynote from AbidSher Ali, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Water and Power, titled ‘Towards a sustainable energy future’.

Henry Rotich, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Energy, Kenya will also address the summit alongside Masdar’s chief operating officer Ahmed Belhoul.

Premium sponsor of the summit, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) will address the delegates during a key note speech given by Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, managing director and chief operating officer on the UAE’s drive to deliver “utilities scale solar power”.

“Renewable energy is a key strategic objective for Dewa, which is working to expand the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to generate 2,600MW from renewable energy by 2030,” Al-Tayer.

As the cost of solar photovoltaic panels fall and investment soars, a special panel debate will take place in the morning to address the implementation of policies by governments across the region.

Among a host of key speakers, the afternoon panel session entitled ‘Harnessing the potential of rooftop solutions’ will follow on from Dewa’s first rooftop solar scheme. A discussion based on the key indicators needed when trying to attract investments for solar schemes will then take place.

Co-pilot of Solar Impulse 2, Dr Bertrand Piccard will address a panel with a keynote speech entitled "Pushing the boundaries of solar innovation". He will share his experience of his journey earlier this year aboard Solar Impulse 2 - a sun-powered aircraft the size of a Boeing 747, but only the weight of a car - which came close to flying around the world.

GulfSol 2015 will take place from September 14 - 16 at the World Trade Centre, Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service