19 January 2012: The Fifth World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012 was convened around a high-level segment focusing on policy and strategy, and three forums on: business and policy; technology and innovation; and finance and regulation.

The WFES, which took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 16-19 January 2012, was hosted by Masdar and brought together over 25,000 participants, including 3,000 summit delegates from 148 countries, three Heads of State, ministers, the UN Secretary-General, Heads of intergovernmental agencies, and over 700 exhibitors.

Issues considered by WFES participants included: wind power; solar power; natural gas; energy efficiency; cities; transportation; China; rural development; capacity building; technology; energy storage; energy-smart infrastructures; carbon capture and storage (CCS); bioenergy; nuclear power; regulations and trade; venture capital; and innovation on financial products for sustainable energy. In addition, the Summit served as the global launch of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted the central role played by energy in powering economies, achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), addressing climate change, and underpinning global security.

In addition to the Summit sessions, WFES 2012 included an exhibition, the Project Village, roundtable discussions, Innovate @ WFES, the Young Future Energy Leaders programme, corporate meetings and social events. Many WFES participants attended the award ceremony for the Zayed Future Energy Prize for long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability, which was awarded to Schneider Electric, Ashok Gadgil, and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Since its inception in 2008, WFES has evolved into the world’s foremost annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. Abu Dhabi, UAE has hosted WFES annually to promote innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. [Summit Website] [IISD RS Coverage of WFES 2012] [UN Press Release] [UN Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks] [IISD RS Story on the Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All]