World Future Energy Summit Bulletin
A Summary Report of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012
Published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
in collaboration with Masdar
Online at http://www.iisd.ca/ymb/energy/wfes/wfes2012/
final issue, VOlume 187, number 11, sunday, 22 January 2012
SUMMARY OF THE WORLD
FUTURE ENERGY
SUMMIT 2012:
16-19 JANUARY 2012
The Fifth World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012
took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE),
from Monday, 16 to Thursday, 19 January 2012, hosted by
Masdar. WFES was attended by 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. HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince
of Abu Dhabi, visits the booth of the UAE Department of Municipal
The Summit was convened around a high-level segment Affairs
focusing on policy and strategy, and three forums on:
business and policy; technology and innovation; and finance WFES
and regulation. Issues considered by WFES participants Since its inception in 2008, WFES has evolved as the
included: wind power; solar power; natural gas; energy world’s foremost annual meeting for the renewable energy and
efficiency; cities; transportation; China; rural development; and environment industry. Abu Dhabi, UAE, has hosted WFES
capacity building; technology; energy storage; energy-smart annually to promote innovation and investment opportunities
infrastructures; carbon capture and storage (CCS); bioenergy; surrounding renewable energy and environment. WFES brings
nuclear power; regulations and trade; venture capital; and together project owners and solution providers with investors
innovation on financial products for sustainable energy. and buyers from both the public and private sectors. Held from
In addition to the Summit sessions, WFES 2012 included an 17-20 January 2011, the fourth WFES brought together 26,391
exhibition, the Project Village, roundtable discussions, Innovate attendees from 137 countries.
@ WFES, the Young Future Energy Leaders programme,
UN CONFERENCES AND SUMMITS
corporate meetings and social events. Many WFES participants
The international community’s first major attempt to
attended the award ceremony for the Zayed Future Energy
develop a strategy for the use of alternative fuels was the 1981
Prize for long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy
Resolution by the 36th UN General Assembly (UNGA 36) (A/
and sustainability, which was awarded to Schneider Electric,
RES/36/193) on the outcomes of the UN Conference on New
Ashok Gadgil, and the Carbon Disclosure Project.
and Renewable Sources of Energy which had convened in
The following report contains a summary of the WFES
sessions, as well as a sample of the side events. Summaries
of the plenary sessions are grouped in chronological order, IN THIS ISSUE
followed by summaries of the parallel sessions and side events.
More detailed information and photographs can be found at:
http://www.iisd.ca/ymb/energy/wfes/wfes2012/. A Brief History of Multilateral Processes on Renewable . .
Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
a brief histOry Of multilateral
prOcesses On renewable energy Report of The Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Renewable energy is an essential element for addressing Plenary Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
energy security, economic recovery, climate change, and Parallel Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
poverty reduction. Therefore, there is a growing international Side Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
dialogue on the need to scale-up sustainable and renewable
energy both regionally and globally. Since the UN Conference
Upcoming Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil, various UN and international organizations
and agencies have been active on these issues, and numerous Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
related international conferences and fora have convened, as
summarized below.
The World Future Energy Summit Bulletin is a publication of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) ,
publishers of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin © . This issue was written and edited by Catherine Benson, Tallash Kantai,
Jonathan Manley, Miquel Muñoz, Ph.D., Delia Paul and Ari Daniel Shapiro, Ph.D. The Photographer is Diego Noguera. The Digital Editor is
Brad Vincelette. The Editor is Leonie Gordon . The Director of IISD Reporting Services is Langston James “Kimo” Goree
VI . Funding for coverage of this meeting has been provided by Masdar. IISD can be contacted at 161 Portage Avenue
East, 6th Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0Y4, Canada; tel: +1-204-958-7700; fax: +1-204-958-7710. The opinions expressed in the Bulletin
are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD. Excerpts from the Bulletin may be used in other publications with
appropriate academic citation. Electronic versions of the Bulletin are sent to e-mail distribution lists (in HTML and PDF format) and can
be found on the Linkages WWW-server at . For information on the Bulletin, including requests to provide reporting
services, contact the Director of IISD Reporting Services at , +1-646-536-7556 or 300 East 56th St., 11D, New York, New http://wfes.iisd.mobi/
York 10022, United States of America.
2 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Nairobi, Kenya in August 1981). UNCED, which met in 1992 states and the EU having ratified its statute. The first session
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, then adopted Agenda 21, an action of the IRENA Assembly was held from 4-5 April 2011, in Abu
plan for implementing sustainable development. Agenda 21 Dhabi, UAE, and was attended by over 50 ministers. IISD RS
addresses sustainable energy in Chapter 9, which notes the coverage of the first Assembly can be found at: http://www.
increasing need to rely on environmentally-sound energy iisd.ca/irena/irenaa1/
systems, particularly new and renewable sources of energy. The second session of the IRENA Assembly took place
In April 2001, in New York, US, the ninth session of the UN from 14-15 January 2012 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, attended by
Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 9) adopted over 750 delegates from 74 member states, 50 signatories and
Decision (E/CN.17/2001/19) on “Energy for Sustainable accession states, 13 other non-member states, and 70 observer
Development,” addressing issues such as the role of the private organizations. The meeting resulted in strengthening IRENA’s
sector, research and development, institutional capacities, institutional structure, and an expansion of its budget for 2012.
financial support, energy accessibility, and rural energy. IISD IISD RS coverage of the second Assembly can be found at:
Reporting Service’s (RS) coverage of CSD 9 can be found at: http://www.iisd.ca/irena/irenaa2/
http://www.iisd.ca/csd/csd9/index.html
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), repOrt Of the meeting
held in August-September 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa,
adopted the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), PLENARY SESSION
which addresses renewable energy in several of its chapters, The opening ceremony took place on Monday, followed by
including on poverty eradication (Chapter II), sustainable plenary ministerial panels in the afternoon. Plenary sessions
consumption and production patterns (Chapter III), small were held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning. The
island developing states (Chapter VII), and Africa (Chapter closing ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon.
VIII). IISD RS coverage of WSSD can be found at: http:// OPENING CEREMONY
www.iisd.ca/2002/wssd. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO,
Held in New York, US, in May 2007, CSD 15 addressed Masdar, opened the Summit.
energy issues, although delegates did not reach consensus on Describing the World Future
any decisions. IISD RS coverage of CSD 15 can be found at: Energy Summit (WFES) as a
http://www.iisd.ca/csd/csd15. platform for sharing experience
In December 2010, UNGA 65 adopted Resolution 65/151 and vision, Al Jaber offered
proclaiming 2012 as the International Year for Sustainable examples of innovation and
Energy for All. growth in the renewable energy
IREC PROCESS sector, including increases
At the WSSD, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder invited in wind power, greater solar
the international community to a Conference on Renewable Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, capacity, and cost reductions
Masdar accompanied by technology
Energy. The International Renewable Energy Conference
(IREC), “Renewables 2004,” took place from 1-4 June 2004, improvements. He noted that, despite budgetary cuts due to the
in Bonn, Germany, and launched the series of IREC meetings. global financial crisis, the renewable energy industry and green
The conference led to the creation of the Renewable Energy economies are important contributors to economic activity
Network for the 21st Century (REN21). IISD RS coverage and growth. He highlighted the importance of regulatory
of Renewables 2004 can be found at: http://www.iisd.ca/sd/ frameworks to improve the efficiency of renewable energy
ren2004. technologies and reduce their costs, adding that renewable
The Beijing International Renewable Energy Conference energy makes strategic sense.
(BIREC), hosted by China in November 2005, adopted the Wen Jiabao, Premier, China, stressed the historic connection
Beijing Declaration. The Washington International Renewable between harnessing energy and human progress. He explained
Energy Conference (WIREC) convened from 4-6 March China’s efforts to drive sustainable economic development,
2008, in Washington DC, US, and resulted in the Washington including: reducing greenhouse gas emissions despite already
International Action Programme, comprising over 100 pledges lower emissions per capita than developed countries; reducing
by countries and organizations. IISD RS coverage of WIREC energy consumption across several sectors; creating new
2008 can be found at http://www.iisd.ca/ymb/wirec2008/. jobs; developing and installing clean and efficient energy
The Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference facilities; launching national energy conservation projects;
(DIREC 2010) took place from 27-29 October 2010, in New and advocating low-carbon
Delhi, India, and concluded with the DIREC Declaration and lifestyles. He said that China’s
30 new pledges by governments and civil society under the energy consumption per unit
Delhi International Action Programme. IISD RS coverage of of GDP fell by about 20%
DIREC 2010 can be found at http://www.iisd.ca/ymb/energy/ between 2005 and 2010, and
direc2010. The next IREC, Abu Dhabi Renewable Energy there are plans to cut energy
Conference (ABIREC), is scheduled to take place in Abu and carbon intensities by 16%
Dhabi, UAE, in January 2013, alongside WFES 2013. and 17%, respectively, between
2010 and 2015. Wen said China
IRENA plans to gradually increase
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was the contribution of renewable
established on 26 January 2009. IRENA’s statute entered into and nuclear energy. He said
force on 8 July 2010. As of January 2012, 148 countries and Wen Jiabao, Premier, People's
the European Union (EU) are signatories of IRENA, with 84 Republic of China
3 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
that China would continue to strengthen exchanges and MINISTERIAL PANELS
cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency Ministerial-level panels were held on Monday afternoon.
(IRENA). Ministers’ Panel on
Kim Hwang-sik, Prime Sustainable Energy for All:
Minister, Republic of Korea, Kandeh Yumkella, Director-
described Korea’s low-carbon, General, United Nations
green growth strategy. He Industrial Development
underscored that Korea invests Organization (UNIDO)
2% of its GDP annually moderated this panel.
in green technologies and Ban Ki-moon and Kandeh
aims to become the world’s Yumkella discussed energy
fifth-largest producer of access. Ban Ki-moon
green energy by 2030. He underlined that energy is
emphasized accelerating the a key tool to achieve the
Kandeh Yumkella, Director
worldwide spread of renewable Kim Hwang-sik, Prime Minister, General, United Nations Industrial Millennium Development
energy and the replacement of Republic of Korea Development Organization Goals (MDGs), and lamented
(UNIDO)
fossil fuels. He commended that large portions of the
the role of IRENA in promoting renewable energy technology world still lack decent and
and said Korea will continue to work with the UAE to further reasonable access to energy. Underlining linkages between
promote the use of renewable energy. energy poverty and achieving the MDGs, Ban Ki-moon
Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President, UN General announced his energy access initiative targets for 2030:
Assembly, highlighted the UN 2012 International Year of providing universal energy access; doubling energy efficiency;
Sustainable Energy for All. He described providing low-cost and 30% energy from renewable sources.
energy as a tool to limit poverty, increase welfare, improve Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy,
quality of life, and realize sustainable development. He India, said his ministry is using renewable energy in villages to
encouraged capacity building and technology transfer for provide jobs in rural areas to slow migration into urban areas.
limiting greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate He noted that his country is creating a stable environment to
change. He identified the United Nations Conference on promote private investment
Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20) meetings as an in renewables to provide
the energy India needs to
opportunity to promote the use of clean and renewable energy
sustain its growth.
to create a more peaceful, sustainable world.
Adnan Amin, Director-
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the need
General, IRENA, noted
to end energy poverty to ensure equal opportunities. He
that although the targets of
underscored the need for universal energy access and the UN Secretary-General’s
innovation to scale-up 2030 Initiative seem
clean energy and energy Adnan Amin, Director General,
ambitious, significant cost
International Renewable Energy
efficient technologies. Agency (IRENA) reductions in technologies
He stressed reducing like solar photovoltaics
greenhouse gas emissions (PV) have made renewables cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
and improving energy Amin highlighted developing countries, including Senegal
efficiency. He described and South Africa, which are proactively adopting renewable
Rio+20 as the beginning energy. He described initiatives where countries are positioning
of a multi-year mission to Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General
themselves for transitions in the global energy system,
achieve sustainable energy for all, and called for a new energy including the UAE’s focus on renewables and sustainable
future that harnesses the power of technology and innovation cities, and Japan’s investment in research and development
in the service of people and the planet. to reduce transmission line losses and boost energy storage
Bertrand Piccard, President, Solar Impulse, highlighted technology.
the flight of a manned solar airplane over a day-night cycle Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director, International
requiring no fossil fuel. He said the goal was to create a Energy Agency (IEA), explained that IEA gathers and
revolution in the way people think about renewable energy. translates information into practical solutions. She identified
He underscored that innovation and clean technologies are funding and political will as crucial for removing barriers
profitable and create jobs. Piccard noted that while renewable to universal energy access. She added that IEA provides the
energy has a higher price, it has a lower cost than fossil building blocks to determine effective policies and solutions
for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
fuels because the price of fossil fuels does not include their
(OECD) countries and, increasingly, non-OECD countries.
environmental or geopolitical costs. He stressed that political
She also encouraged the implementation of geographically-
courage is needed to create regulatory frameworks that
relevant green technologies, and underscored the need for both
minimize energy waste.
large companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to
Aiden Dwyer, a 14-year-old American innovator, shared that finance energy solutions.
when he learned tree branch growth followed the Fibonacci Andrew Steer, Special Envoy for Climate Change, World
Sequence, a common pattern in nature, he applied this concept Bank, emphasized the need to triple the present level of
to improving the efficiency of solar panels. financing for renewable energy. He said that large investors
4 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Ministers' Panel on Action towards Universal Energy Access
are seeking opportunities with low risks and “decent” private, commercial activities. For grid solutions, he said
returns. He described the importance of injecting public countries need to create a policy environment that allows the
money strategically and into projects to attract larger private electricity sector to be run as a business. He said that the poor
investment. He added that countries must learn from one often pay the highest price for electricity, noting this as a
another to establish an appropriate balance of political power, business opportunity for the renewable sector.
financial muscle, and technical expertise. Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Development,
Charles Holliday, European Commission, stressed the importance of universal
Chairman, Bank of access to sustainable and renewable energy. He added that
America, stressed the developed countries have relied heavily on energy from fossil
role of the private fuels, a mistake that developing countries can bypass by
sector in sustainable creating sustainable energy goals from scratch, which would
energy. He identified
grant them a competitive advantage. Describing 2030 as a
market opportunities
realistic deadline, he encouraged governments to develop
for the next decade,
comprehensive policies for universal energy access.
including: electrical
Alex Salmond, First Minister, Scotland, noted the
and mechanical
engineering; importance of: investing in grid technology to decrease
transmission losses over long distances; narrowing the gap
Charles Holliday, Chairman of the Board sustainable natural
of Directors, Bank of America resource use; and between technological breakthroughs and the broad use of
turning data into information for communication to the these technologies; and facilitating access for those who
public. He said banks are interested in taking calculated risks, lack or cannot afford energy. He described certain islands on
particularly in partnership with international agencies. the west coast of Scotland that have become entirely energy
Ministers’ Panel on Action towards Universal Energy self-sufficient with micro-hydropower, a notion that may be
Access: Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations applicable to numerous developing countries with significant
Development Programme (UNDP) moderated this panel. Clark marine resources.
said that many countries without universal access to energy Mitsuyoshi Yanagisawa, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade
have good strategies and plans, but business as usual is not and Industry, Japan, said steady progress has been made in
sufficient; she instead called for “business unusual.” Japan’s recovery efforts following the 2011 earthquake and
Daniel Johansson, Vice-Minister of Energy, Sweden, Fukushima disaster. He underlined that Japan is reconsidering
emphasized that its energy policy “from scratch” to incorporate more
sustainable energy is renewables. He said Japan intends to share its state-of-the art
a moral and political technologies with the international community in appreciation
question related of their generous support in the earthquake’s aftermath.
to democracy. He In a keynote address, Bjørn Lomborg, Copenhagen
described Swedish- Consensus Center, said that the current focus on fossil fuel
funded energy subsidies is not sustainable, and global warming, green jobs,
projects, including
and energy security have all been misrepresented. Lomborg
installation of solar
recommended focusing on innovation that will lead to
panels in households
technology breakthroughs.
in Mozambique and
Ministers’ Panel on the Role of Government Institutions
Helen Clark, Administrator, United Bangladesh. He also
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called attention to in Accelerating the Transition to a Global Clean Energy
local, functional Economy: This panel was moderated by Achim Steiner,
solutions, and noted the importance of maintenance services Executive Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
throughout the equipment’s lifecycle. José María Figueres, former president, Costa Rica, said
Carlos Pascual, Special Envoy and Coordinator for governments must focus their efforts on tackling poverty and
International Energy Affairs, US, stressed the importance of climate change over this decade. He added that governments
creating an environment that attracts investors and stimulates should take the lead by harvesting “low-hanging fruit” such as
5 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
demand-side management; government regulation. He
reversing bad policies such added that because energy
as perverse subsidies on transitions take time,
fossil fuels; and sending visionary leaders willing
signals to industry by to chart a new course are
reducing taxes on green crucial for achieving clean
technology. energy initiatives.
Jordy Herrera, Minister of Georg Schütte, State
Energy, Mexico, described Secretary, Germany,
a government programme described Germany’s
S. Iswaran, Minister in the Prime to reduce domestic energy energy revolution and David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary
Minister's Office, Singapure consumption in Mexico by long-term perspective on for Policy & International Affairs, US
swapping inefficient home research and innovation.
appliances for new energy-efficient appliances, noting that this He said Germany aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions
change also saves the government money in energy subsidies. by 80-90% from 1990 levels by 2050, while simultaneously
Lord Howell of Guildford, Minister of State, UK, noted that transforming its energy supply system to increase renewable
the world’s energy situation has changed significantly over energy generation to 80% by 2050. He stressed that Germany
the last 30 years. He highlighted the UK’s investment in low- hopes to be the first modern advanced economy to reinvent
carbon technology, including £2.5 billion in renewable energy itself as a green society.
research, incentivizing efficient home energy consumption Walter Steinmann, State Secretary for Energy, Switzerland,
and development, and planning for an additional 16 gigawatts stressed the importance of clear, ambitious targets, compromise
(GW) of nuclear capacity by 2025 that would provide 30,000 and consultation. He explained that Switzerland encourages
jobs. He said governments have the responsibility to provide citizens, municipalities, and cities to make progress at the local
an environment level every year, and said one of slogans driving change in
that promotes clean Switzerland is “you have to do more every year.”
technologies.
BUSINESS LEADERS IN FUTURE ENERGY
S. Iswaran,
This session took place on Tuesday morning. In his
Minister in the Prime
keynote address, Fatih Birol, IEA, underlined that the global
Minister’s Office,
financial crisis and Fukushima nuclear disaster have affected
Singapore, highlighted
government energy policies and demoted climate change on
the importance
the political agenda. He said that trajectories plot a 6°C change
of balancing and
in climate, and that immediate action and urgent investment in
integrating public
clean energy are needed.
policy, government
Jordy Herrara, Minister of Energy, Mexico research, and private Panelists agreed on the need to continue investing in
emerging markets, with Tulsi Tanti, Chairman of Suzlon,
sector initiatives to
saying this can transform obstacles into opportunity. Juan
achieve energy goals. He noted that Singapore has: liberalized
Araluce, President, Vestas, and Frank Wouters, Director,
its electricity market; used price as a clear signal of the cost
Masdar Power, emphasized economies-of-scale and scalability.
of energy to the consumer; offered targeted assistance to low-
Bjørn Haugland, DNV, highlighted investments in research
income households; avoided subsidizing consumption; worked
and development as companies transition from renewable
with the petro-chemical sector to reduce its carbon footprint;
pilot projects, and the importance of carbon capture and
and cultivated itself as a test bed for research, development,
utilization. Steve Bolze, General Electric, said investments
and new energy ideas.
in new technologies will be critical in the longer-term, and
David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and
that centralized generation for vast geographic areas may be
International Affairs, US, used the example of refrigerators
possible, though expensive. Mark Carne, Shell, emphasized
being four times more efficient now than in the 1970's
changing energy portfolios, pointing out that 2012 will be the
to demonstrate the importance of standard-setting and
first year that Shell produces more gas than oil. Noting the
Business Leaders in Future Energy Panel
6 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
volatility of gas prices, Jim Brown, First Solar, said that supply This session was held on Wednesday morning. In a keynote
stacks, including PV and renewable energy, could insulate the address, Alex Burns, CEO, Williams Formula One (F1),
market from risk. Steve O’Rouke, Sun Edison, said addressing explained that the entrepreneurial and engineering culture of
engineering issues is the next challenge for PV technology. Williams F1, one of the world’s lead car-racing teams, delivers
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President, Schneider Electric, emphasized rapid and evolving solutions to complex technical challenges.
the need for low-cost energy that communities without He described how the flywheels that Williams F1 is developing
electricity can deploy and maintain. for hybrid racing cars are being adapted to improve energy
efficiency in public buses, sports cars, and metro trains.
INSIGHTS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES Jason Pontin, Editor-in-Chief, Massachusetts Institute of
This session took place on Tuesday morning. Keynote Technology’s (MIT) Technology Review, chaired the session.
speaker Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman, Investor AB, Sweden, Panelists agreed that smart grids need to store and deliver
said businesses must accept they are not currently doing enough high amounts of renewable energy. Jan Mrosik, Siemens,
to contribute to sustainability. He underscored the need for emphasized smart metering and smart response. Kazuo
strong incentives for innovation and risk-taking, and changes Furukawa, Chairman, New Energy and Industrial Technology
in investment mentality. He emphasized collaboration among Development Organization (NEDO), said energy storage
academia, business, and non- remains a large gap.
governmental organizations Santiago Arias, Torresol,
(NGOs), citing events such emphasized that energy
as WFES and projects such can be stored and
as Masdar as examples of converted according to
such collaboration. environmental conditions
Keynote speaker Rajendra and demand for electricity.
Pachauri, Chairman, Ben Kortlang, Amonix,
Intergovernmental Panel on described the challenges
Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman, Climate Change (IPCC), for clean technologies to
IPCC said no limits exist to the Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman, AB, be economically viable
potential for renewable Sweden
at a large scale without
sources of energy, including solar, geothermal, and hydropower, subsidies. Kathy Pepper, ExxonMobil, explained the potential
but that economies-of-scale are not yet well understood. for producing biofuels from algae. Bill Sims, CEO, Joule
Adnan Amin, Director-General, IRENA, suggested Unlimited, said his company’s engineered microorganisms
governments create an environment that encourages private represent a low-cost, fungible, and modular renewable fuel
sector investment in renewables. Fatih Birol expressed concern platform. Charles Soothill, Alstom Power, explained that a
about certain governments slowing support for renewable mixed renewable portfolio can address power generation
energy, and explained the importance of reducing fossil fuel intermittency, and underscored, among others: carbon capture
subsidies. S. Vijay Iyer, World Bank, said governments can and storage (CCS); transmission grids; and energy efficiency,
justify using renewable energies across numerous sectors, and storage, and density. Andrew Beebe, Suntech, proposed the
encouraged applying funds to leverage the private sector. Jim development of a five-year roadmap for eliminating all energy
Leape, Director-General, WWF International, stressed the subsidies.
importance of: renewable energy efficiency; using arguments
beyond climate change to INSIGHTS FROM THE ENTREPRENEURS
attract public action; and Chris Hartshorn, Lux Research, moderated this session
easing consumer access to on Wednesday morning. He described the panel’s goal as
renewable energy. identifying the benefits and challenges for entrepreneurs in the
Mohamed El-Ashry, clean technology sphere.
Chairman, REN21, Noting that favorable government policies are key for
emphasized increased clean technology entrepreneurship to thrive, Eric McAfee,
research and development Chairman and CEO, Aemetis, called for strong regulatory
Mohammed El-Ashry, Chairman, support, and public frameworks to enable entrepreneurs to make short-term
REN21 and Senior Fellow, United
Nations Foundation and private support for technology development commitments, and long-term financial
innovation to enter the commitments.
marketplace. Marcel Engel, Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech, spoke on innovation
World Business Council for Sustainable Development, said to create a new energy future, explaining the importance of
business needs predictability, such as a predictable price for entrepreneurial companies in furthering clean technologies
carbon, to scale-up. Timothy Wirth, President, UN Foundation, globally.
suggested incentives for energy-efficient appliances as an Stressing that clean energy is the greatest entrepreneurial
example of complementary approaches for sustainable energy opportunity of this generation, Steve Crane, CEO, LightSail
and economic growth. Carlos Dora, World Health Organization, Energy, welcomed non-traditional funding sources to provide
stressed complementarities in environment, energy, and health, capital to start-ups and entrepreneurs. He noted that obstacles to
saying people need to understand concrete benefits from introducing renewables include numerous regulatory issues.
change. Christine Gulbranson, Symphony Equity Partners,
described the energy innovation cycle, highlighting potential
TECHNOLOGY LEADERS IN FUTURE ENERGY “valleys of death” in both technological development and
commercialization phases, before moving into maturity and
price competitiveness.
7 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
In the ensuing discussion, that an aggressive energy
participants considered, revolution is beginning,
among others, the: with record-breaking
advantages of start-ups investment in renewable
in managing early-stage energy. She stressed that
innovation; capital-intensive the Durban climate change
nature of energy companies; conference delivered
influence of the regulatory beyond expectations, noting
Richenda Van Leeuwen, United Christiana Figueres, Executive
Nations Foundation environment; need to it demonstrated universal Secretary, United Nations
offer energy products that political will and increased Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC)
will help companies expand their markets; and value of an ambition in the global
“accelerator” approach, enabling start-ups to access networks climate regime in three ways: a second commitment period
and strategic partnerships. for the Kyoto Protocol that continues and validates its legally-
binding framework; an increase from 10-15% to 80% of global
FINANCING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL emissions included under the Protocol; and an agreement
On Thursday morning, moderator Nathaniel Bullard, among all countries to
Bloomberg New Energy Finance, led a panel on the state of negotiate a legally-binding
financing for renewables. agreement.
Keynote speaker Plutarchos Sakellaris, Vice-President, Robert Swan, Voyage
European Investment Bank, identified three instruments for Cleaner Energy,
governments can use to attract technology investment: fixed described his personal
price approaches, such as feed-in tariffs; market-based voyage in sustainability,
approaches, such as renewables certificates; and targeted and walking expeditions to
approaches. He said the EU investment bank target is for 25% Fiona Watson, Summit Director for
both the North and South
of overall lending to support climate action projects, a target WFES 2012
poles. He highlighted his
exceeded in both 2010 and 2011. Noting that the biggest work in promoting sustainability in rural areas, major climate
challenge facing the industry is technology risk, Ravi Suri, conferences, and charting an annual mission to Antarctica with
Standard Chartered Bank, called for better understanding international youth. He said “the greatest threat to our planet is
of financing renewables by both the banking and insurance the belief that someone else will save it.”
sectors. Summit Director Fiona Watson announced that plans are
Speaking on the opportunities for financing in the Middle underway for the 2013 WFES, which will run in tandem with
East and North Africa, Ben Warren, Ernst & Young, stressed an International Water Summit next year, supported by the
that for greater market growth, new sources of capital need to International Water Association.
enter renewable energy financing, including pension funds.
Richenda Van Leeuwen, UN Foundation, highlighted a PARALLEL SESSIONS
SME perspective on financing, describing opportunities for
Parallel sessions took place on Tuesday and Wednesday
customers unable to fully finance renewables technology, and
afternoon, and on Thursday morning into the early afternoon.
underscoring the potential for telecommunication companies to
enter the market. Alex O’Cinneide, Director, Masdar Capital, In addition, on Wednesday afternoon, summit delegates were
with Jorge Ramos, Citigroup, stressed that financers would offered a networking visit of the exhibition.
like to see consistent renewable energy policy rather than WIND: POWERING UP - SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES
fluctuating government attitudes and inconsistency. Steve Sawyer, Secretary General, Global Wind Energy
CLOSING PLENARY: FUTURE ENERGY FUTURE Council, chaired this session on Tuesday afternoon.
STRATEGIES Luis Adão da Fonseca, EDP Renewables, stressed the
The closing plenary took place on Thursday afternoon, importance of long-term regulatory frameworks to facilitate
moderated by Richenda Van Leeuwen, UN Foundation. She sustained growth in the sector. Iñigo Sabater Eizaguirre, Vestas,
stressed the need to keep energy at the top of the global warned against viewing renewable energy solutions as a short-
agenda and reminded participants of Secretary-General’s Ban term goal, and emphasized robust partnerships to increase
Ki-moon’s energy access for all initiative. uptake of renewables.
Rob Bradley, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE, described Andrew Garrad, President, GL Garrad Hassan, noted that
the UAE’s historic and ongoing leadership in environmental although there has been dramatic growth in wind energy in
protection and conservation. He said that the UAE is working emerging markets, there was still more overall growth in
to move from being the second highest per capita emitter OECD member countries than elsewhere.
of carbon dioxide (CO2) towards achieving green growth Discussing the potential for shale gas and its effect on
grounded in: energy efficiency standards; clean urbanization; renewable investment, Eddie O’Connor, CEO, Mainstream
increasing use of renewable energy; investing in public Renewable Power, said that although shale gas has slowed
transportation and green jobs; carbon mitigation in aviation; renewables in the US, it is “a big, gigantic bubble” that will
incorporating environmental messaging into the educational disappear. Aart Schreij, London Array, highlighted the interests
system; and technology incubation and implementation in
of India, China, the UK, and Germany in offshore wind energy,
Masdar City and elsewhere.
noting that the associated costs will be reduced in the next
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary, UN Framework
decade.
Convention on Climate Change, noted that energy contributes
to climate change and is a major part of the solution. She said TRANSFORMING CITIES: ESTABLISHING
8 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
SUSTAINBLE COMMUNITIES energy efficiency. He highlighted the importance of stabilizing
Peter Sharratt, Deloitte LLP, moderated this session on the quality of renewable resources, and relationships between
Tuesday afternoon. businesses and government.
Mary Walsh, London Sustainable Development Haiyun Sun, Trina Solar, elaborated on green growth as
Commission, UK, highlighted initiatives on retrofitting the focus of China’s new key performance indicator, the
London’s aging building stock to be energy efficient, using importance of globalizing innovation, and China’s tougher
solid waste for district heating and cooling, and placing intellectual property laws. The ensuing discussion focused on
sustainability at the core of the 2012 Olympics planning. Africa as a potential renewable energy market, and capital-
Rex Parris, Mayor, Lancaster, California, lamented raising opportunities in China.
that cities are not sufficiently active. He said Lancaster is ENERGY EFFICIENCY: THE KEY TO CARBON
attempting to become the first NetZero city, and attributed REDUCTION
its success to partnering with industry and creating a fertile This session was moderated by Ramon Baeza, Boston
environment for new technology adoption. Consulting Group, on Tuesday afternoon. He asked speakers to
Alan Frost, Director, Masdar City, spoke on passive urban consider how to fully realize energy efficiency gains.
design principles to make Masdar City cooler and pedestrian- Morten Mauritzen, Exxon Mobil, stressed the growth
friendly, including: building orientation and design for potential of renewables, projecting a 30% increase in demand
maximizing shade, and harnessing natural wind corridors. from 2010-2040. Sascha Brozek, Siemens, highlighted
He noted that Masdar City works with technology partners to intelligent design in buildings and construction. Pejman
implement clean technology solutions. Norastehfar, Bayer MaterialScience, addressed sustainable
Rutu Dave, World Bank, highlighted that cities are both the production processes. Benoit Dubarle, Schneider Electric,
causes and victims of climate change and called for a paradigm recommended smart grids to optimize distribution among
shift towards smart city planning. She highlighted the city- consumers. Frank Ackland, General Electric, supported the
wide approach methodology installation of household smart meters to modify consumer
developed by the World behavior.
Bank to assist cities in Hiroshi Ogawa, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, described
reducing emissions and sustainable transportation design including electric vehicles
attracting green funds. as a key to efficiency, highlighting their use in Masdar City.
Kornelis Blok, Utrecht University, recommended removing
COUNTRY FOCUS – fuel subsidies, tightening efficiency standards to reflect state-
CHINA of-the-art technology, and educating industry professionals on
Chaired by Chris Chris Hartshorn, Lux Research implementation.
Hartshorn, Lux Research,
THE ROLE OF GAS IN THE FUTURE ENERGY MIX
on Tuesday afternoon, this session focused on China as a During this Tuesday afternoon session, moderated by
growing business partner, innovator, manufacturer, and market Ruud Weijermars, Delft University of Technology, panelists
in the renewable sector. Andrew Beebe, Suntech, explained that addressed topics including: competition between liquefied
other nations could look to China for guidance on making and natural gas (LNG) and long distance pipeline gas; power
meeting long-term energy goals. He praised China’s production generation competition between coal and gas; energy security
capacity and capabilities. Steven ‘Mac’ Heller, Executive in Europe; and Australia’s increasing role in LNG supply from
Chairman, CODA Automotive, said that China and the US offshore shale gas. Panelists emphasized the role of gas in a
must work together to reduce high fossil fuel consumption faster transition to renewables. Rob Gardner, ExxonMobil,
and CO2 emissions. He noted China is the world’s largest car explained that global energy demand will grow by 30% over
producer and consumer. the next 30 years and gas will grow by 60%, with much of this
Mark Ma, China Construction Bank, said that China has gas coming from unconventional supplies. Michael Ladwig,
large market opportunities and rising labor costs, and its Alstom, added that renewables already contribute 20-30% of
economy will benefit from energy efficiency and energy electricity production in some countries. Bernard Esselinckx,
savings. He said investors care about business models, CEO, Al Suwadi Power Company, Ernie Moniz, Massachusetts
management, and financial returns. Tom Zhao, BYD, said that Institute of Technology, and Gardner, agreed that substantial
China’s 12th five-year plan offered direction on increasing time is necessary to change energy infrastructure. Moniz
Panel session on China (L-R): David Eaglesham, First Solar; Rhone Resch, Solar Energy Industries Association; Robert Seiter, Ernst & Young;
Eicke Weber, Fraunhofer-Instituts für Solare Energiesysteme ISE; Haiyun Sun, Trina Solar; Adrian Wood, Siemens
9 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Alain Flausch, Secretary-General, International Association of Public Transport (UITP), moderating the panel discussion: Sustainable
Transportation: Systems, Policies and Technologies
recommended balancing electricity and natural gas gas, and to make provisions for multi-modal integrated public
infrastructures through high-level integration of regulatory transit networks, intercity rail systems, and walking and
systems. During a discussion on pipeline leakage, Evgeniy cycling facilities.
Nadezhdin, Russia Energy Agency, described the Russia
ENERGY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Federation’s programme to decrease gas flaring by 95%, while
This session, held on Tuesday afternoon, was moderated by
Crispian McCredie, Alboran Energy Strategy Consultants,
Ralph Sims, Massey University. He described a UN Food and
cautioned that such measures would not be possible for
Agriculture Organization (FAO) initiative on energy-smart and
countries like Nigeria or Angola.
climate-smart food systems to be launched in 2012.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION: SYSTEMS, Lamenting the percentage of the world using firewood as
POLICIES, AND TECHNOLOGIES a primary energy source, Michael Kelly, World Liquefied
This session was held on Tuesday afternoon. Alain Flausch, Petroleum Gas Association, highlighted the benefits of
Secretary General, International Association of Public transitioning to liquefied petroleum gas.
Transport, moderated the session and said urban sprawl and Darrin Morgan, Boeing, described an integrated seawater
increased private car ownership were driving up urban CO2 agriculture system that could produce food and green energy
emissions and oil consumption. in non-arable lands. Trevor Demayo, Chevron, stressed the
Iwao Matsuoka, Institution for Transport Policy Studies, provision of affordable, economically-viable, culturally-
said that complete transport system solutions are needed to appropriate, and proven sustainable technologies. Andre
offer good alternative transport methods to the public, and not Zeijseink, KEMA, spoke on ensuring availability, affordability,
merely adding new technologies into existing systems. reliability, portability, and sustainability of energy systems
Robert Olivier, Montreal Transport Company, underlined in rural areas. Jan Olaf Willums, Chairman, InSpire Group,
that transport is responsible for an increasing share of Quebec’s described an initiative linking the declining cost of batteries
greenhouse gas emissions. He added that the province aims with solar energy that benefits both local entrepreneurs and
to have 95% of public transit trips be electric by 2030, and end-users.
detailed the development of Montreal’s metro network. Christine Eibs Singer, CEO, E+Co, explained her
Gunnar Heipp, Munich Public Transport Company, stressed organization’s work to assist renewable energy entrepreneurs
that transit-oriented land-use planning is key to developing an and provide long-term capacity building. Morgan Bazilian,
effective low-carbon transportation system. He presented the UNIDO, noted the importance of both governments and the
Munich transport masterplan that requires urban planning to private sector in meeting the universal access to energy target.
adhere to transportation plans.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND DEVELOPMENT
Abdulrahman Al Shizawi, Abu Dhabi Department of
Transport, noted long-term infrastructure plans for Abu Dhabi
government vehicles and taxis to run on compressed natural
Moderator Ralph Sims, Director, Centre for Energy Research, Massey University, New Zealand, speaking during the Energy and Rural
Development panel 2009 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences
10 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Panel session on Innovation in Solar Technologies (L-R): Eicke Weber, Fraunhofer-Instituts für Solare Energiesysteme; Simon Bransfield-Garth,
Eight19; Daniel Calderon, Masdar Power; Matteo Codazzi, CESI; Sami Khoreibi, Enviromena; Paul van Son, Dii GmbH (Desertec)
Moderated by Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Adrian Wood, Siemens, pointed out the challenges of
Institute of Science and Technology, this session took place on getting the energy mix “right,” including the complexity of PV,
Tuesday afternoon and focused on the roles that education and CPV, and CSP systems, their costs, and the capacity of existing
research and development can play in transforming the UAE grids. He described his company’s commitment to meeting the
into a knowledge-based economy. universal energy access targets. Noting the decreasing costs of
Keynote speaker Eesa Bastaki, CEO, Information and technologies and comparing the conditions for PV-uptake in
Communication Technology Fund, discussed building a robust the US, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, Rhone Resch, President,
research and development infrastructure, and creating a culture US Solar Energy Industries Association, urged countries in the
of research across academic, private, industry, and government Middle East to tap into solar energy on a larger scale.
sectors. Calling for a new business model for solar power, Simon
Rafic Makki, Abu Dhabi Education Council, described Bransfield-Garth, CEO, Eight19, described the IndiGo Pay-As-
the knowledge-based economies of Singapore and South You-Go Solar Initiative, which merges mobile phone and solar
Korea, and the importance of improving elementary and high- technology to create low cost energy solutions for populations
school education to enhance and sustain higher education. in East Africa. Paul van Son, CEO, Desertec, described three
Peter Heath, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah, phases to link renewable energy production in the deserts of
explained that the UAE’s new economy will require financing North Africa and the Middle East to European markets in the
the high cost of graduate education, and stressed the urgency next 25 years. Matteo Codazzi, CESI, presented on high CPV
of cultivating young Emiratis. Rory Hume, Provost, UAE technology, noting its suitability for Africa, Latin America and
University, underlined the importance of comprehensive parts of Asia.
primary and secondary education reform and of doctoral Sami Khoreibi, CEO, Enviromena, informed participants
research and mentorship. Tod Laursen, President, Khalifa that many countries in the Middle East are committed to a 7%
University, emphasized the role of human capital in creating or higher renewable energy target, including PV. Speaking on
a knowledge-based economy and the importance of academic the future of PV and CSP, Daniel Calderon, Masdar Power,
mentorship in developing independent thinkers. Larry Wilson, emphasized that PV has the capacity to “solve people’s
Provost, Zayed University, underlined the need for visionary problems” at lower costs than current alternatives in several
leadership and long-term resource commitment to create a new locations around the world.
economy.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CARBON CAPTURE AND
INNOVATION IN SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES STORAGE?
This parallel session on Wednesday afternoon was Simon-Pierre Monette, Booz & Company, moderated this
moderated by Eicke Weber, Chairman, Fraunhofer Institute, panel on Wednesday afternoon. Panelists discussed education,
and shed light on emerging technologies and financial knowledge transfer, projects, and technology related to CCS.
innovations in the solar energy system. Liv Stubholt, CEO, Aker Clean Carbon, said carbon
Highlighting China’s strength in the solar market as capture will remain an available, feasible, and viable option
manufacturing cost-effective, affordable solar panels, Haiyun for decades to come. John Barry, Shell, highlighted three
Sun, Trina Solar, explained that business and open minds are challenges of CCS demonstration projects: financing, public
necessary for innovation in solar technology to be successful. acceptance, and high costs. Bernd Holling, Linde Group,
Robert Seiter, Ernst & Young, noted that the solar technologies described three technologies for scaling-up CCS pilot projects
currently drawing the highest levels of investment are to demonstration projects, related to the fuel, pre-commercial,
concentrated solar power (CSP), copper indium gallium (di) and post-commercial stages.
selenide (CIGS), and concentrated photovoltaics (CPV). Bader Al Lakmi, Director, Masdar Carbon, noted the
David Eaglesham, First Solar, highlighted drivers to increase potential of CCS to qualify for funding under the Clean
photovoltaics (PV) penetration in the energy mix, including Development Mechanism as an incentive to continue pursuing
longer-term strategic partnerships between suppliers and CCS technologies as a mechanism for carbon reduction. Saif
grid operators, and plant energy output that is forecastable, Al Sayari, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, described
controllable, and “smooth-ramping.” CCS as an important avenue for mitigating fossil fuel
contributions to global warming.
11 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Panel session on Nuclear Energy in a Sustainable Energy Future (L-R): Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation; Homam
Albaroudi, The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf; Matt Brown, Pöyry Management Consulting; Ibrahim Babelli, King
Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA CARE); Mike Waite, Westinghouse Electric Company
Panelists discussed the need for greater education on CCS, future energy demand in Saudi Arabia based on generational
noting that the public lacks understanding of the technology. demographics, growth in manufacturing and service industries,
Holling described public resistance to onshore storage. He said and a shift away from fossil fuels. Homam Albaroudi, Gulf
collaboration with academia could boost public opinion. Lakmi Cooperation Council, presented a joint study on the possibility
proposed joint education efforts between governments and of shared regional nuclear power development, noting concerns
project developers. regarding transboundary responsibilities.
Mike Waite, Westinghouse Electric Company, highlighted
ENERGY STORAGE – TECHNICAL CHALLENGES: increased interest in “passive” response systems to improve
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES plant safety; for example, through utilizing gravity-fed water-
Jürgen Weiss, Brattle Group, moderated this session on cooling systems. Ahmed Ateeq bin Rubea Al Mazrouei,
Wednesday afternoon. He explained that pumped hydropower Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, said that the lessons
dominates overall energy storage capacity, while battery of the Fukushima disaster are being incorporated into current
storage technology still accounts for a small portion. Timothy designs for nuclear power plants.
Patey, ABB, said energy storage provides more control for
electric grids. He described using energy storage systems to BIOENERGY: BIOMASS FOR POWER GENERATION
complement fixed electricity infrastructure, and emphasized Ausilio Bauen, E4tech, moderated this session on
matching storage technologies with applications. Jarl Pedersen, Wednesday afternoon. Anselm Eisentraut, IEA, noted
Xtreme Power, presented a lead acid battery technology that bioenergy supplies about 10% of the world’s primary energy
is highly efficient and 98% recyclable. He noted projects in demand, but it is generally used inefficiently. He said
Hawaii where battery storage technology has been used to biomass would potentially play a large part in curbing future
stabilize integration of wind and solar generation into the grid. greenhouse gas emissions in ambitious mitigation scenarios.
Tom Zhao, BYD, said China’s renewable electricity Bart Dehue, Vattenfall, described his utility’s substitution
generation targets provide a fertile market for storage of coal with biomass chips for combined heat and power
technologies, noting that his company’s battery technology is generation. He said biomass is an ideal CO2 reduction
produced inexpensively and can be used in both small- and strategy as many coal-fired power stations can be modified
large-scale applications. Alex Katon, International Power-GDF to use woodchips in addition to coal. Ralph Sims, Massey
Suez, highlighted that significant storage technology will be University, noted the reference of the IPCC Special Report on
required to stabilize 18,000 MW of renewable energy capacity Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation to
in the region by 2020. He noted that barriers to renewable WFES discussions. He said that biomass with CCS may be an
energy also limit energy storage system uptake. important mitigation option in the future.
Olivier Dubois, FAO, spoke on bioenergy and food security
THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY IN A SUSTAINABLE criteria and indicators developed by FAO and UNEP to support
ENERGY FUTURE government knowledge and policy. He said that biofuels
Matt Brown, are “neither good, nor bad, what matters is the way they are
Director, Pöyry managed.” Raffi Balian, US Department of State, noted that
Management the US is the world’s largest producer of bioenergy, which he
Consulting, said is an important component for diversifying energy supply.
chaired this session
on Wednesday DIGITAL ENERGY: SMART INFRASTRUCTURE
afternoon, which Chaired by José Alberich and Jörg Schrottke, A.T. Kearney,
focused on nuclear this Wednesday afternoon session focused on the role of smart
energy potential in grids and infrastructure in optimizing energy efficiency and
the Gulf region. consumption. Edward Abbo, President, C3, defined digital
Ibrahim Babelli, energy as the cyber-infrastructure used to gather, interpret, and
King Abdullah utilize data along the energy supply chain to improve utility-
City of Atomic customer interactions. He also described C3’s collaboration
and Renewable Anselm Eisentraut, International Energy with Masdar City, calling it a live experiment of the smart
Energy, cited Agency (IEA) grid. Eyad Alqadi, Cisco Systems, presented the multi-tiered
12 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
security measures to safeguard INNOVATION IN FUTURE ENERGY FINANCIAL
against cyber-attacks aimed at PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
crippling energy infrastructure Dima Rifai, Paradigm Change Capital Partners, moderated
and causing blackouts. He this panel on Thursday morning. Panelists focused on
added that smart infrastructure innovation and capital sources, identifying the right vehicles
could help traditional and for investors to innovate, and considering both equity and debt.
renewable energy sectors. Sjaak Adam Bruce, Mainstream Renewable Power, described
Antheunisse, Alcatel-Lucent, the value of grouping corporations with concern about energy
commented on the challenge security risk and price volatility to fund energy infrastructure.
of engaging the end user in He added that mobile telephony is a new financing trend.
a new age of responsible Simon Currie, Norton Rose, underscored financing driven
Alex O’Cinneide, Director,
Masdar Capital
energy consumption, and by long-term yields and returns over regulation and tax
emphasized multi-stakeholder
because incentive-based tax increases long-term risk. He said
solutions to infrastructure problems. Gianluca Marini, CESI,
traditional financing vehicles and equity models persist, but
stressed the importance of incentivizing customers to shift
identified innovative partnerships and carbon investors moving
their energy consumption from peak to off-peak demand
into the renewable energy sector as two new trends.
load, and described the role of transmission system operators
in managing power flows. Stephan Singer, WWF, said that Emma Matebalavu, Clifford Chance, described the UK
investment and policy are required to encourage and sustain a “Green Deal” to make old housing stock more energy efficient
decentralized and distributed smart grid. by incentivizing loans for home efficiency, which distributes
risk in the capital market and provides benefits of scale.
THE ROLE OF VENTURE CAPITAL IN FUTURE Margaret Stephens, KPMG, said performance regimes for
ENERGY FINANCING green targets would attract investors and explained that the
Alex O’Cinneide, Director, Masdar Capital, moderated infrastructure community adapts to new projects, such as green
this session on Thursday morning. Roger Ammoun, Credit energy, and will invest if they make good business sense.
Suisse Asset Management, explained that venture capitalists
are honing strategies for sub-sectors of renewables in a INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS AND TRADE:
market which is correcting itself in response to the initial GLOBAL NETWORKS TO FACILITATE A SUSTAINABLE
“feeding frenzy” of capital injection into renewables. Anup ENERGY WORLD
Jacob, Virgin Green Fund, underlined green technology as Rakesh Radhakrishnan, Navigant Consulting moderated
attracting good management teams, and carbon pricing to this session, on Thursday morning. He opened with remarks
level the energy playing fields. Nikunj Jinsi, International on the impacts of international trade regulations on the clean
Finance Corporation (IFC), noted IFC’s role in boosting technology sector.
innovation and capitalizing nascent markets. He said that Jamie Carstairs, Linnfall Consulting, noted energy was
the typical venture capital path might not match renewables’ formerly delivered by place-based, state-owned public utilities,
longer gestation periods. Wayne Keast, CEO, Consensus using planning as a basis for investment, whereas today’s
Environment, noted success in capitalizing existing companies competitive utility markets rely on price signals. He described
that are already earning returns. Keast added that investment a high level of policy risk affecting investment in renewables.
trends follow signals from government policy. Eswar Mani,
Stefano Besseghini, Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico, Italy,
Masdar Capital, said insights into sales and market adoption
stressed the physical aspect of electricity markets, as they
cycles were needed for more strategic venture capital, and
rely on the capacity and stability of distribution grids and
identified opportunities for distributed, off-grid energy in
interconnections. He recommended technology exchange and
emerging markets. Michael Sears, Siemens Venture Capital,
identified building management systems as a high growth area. information, as innovations have great potential to alter returns
Marcelo Carvalho de Andrade, Earth Capital Partners, said on investment.
public-private partnerships remain important for “de-risking”
investment in emerging green technology.
Abengoa exhibit and presentation Siemens exhibit
13 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Ruzgar Barisik, IFC, highlighted the IFC’s role as a catalyst The YFEL is a Masdar Institute programme that seeks to
for further private investment and its goal to ensure 20% of its engage young people via alternative energy and sustainability
investments are in renewables. activities. The initiative supported students and young
Michelle Davies, Eversheds, noted the impact of a UK professionals to attend the WFES, and hosted numerous
presentations and debates in its dedicated conference area.
domestic subsidy on overseas-based generation. She also The WFES Project Village enabled companies to showcase
described company efforts to have sustainability criteria a centerpiece project in a “village” setting, which included
recognized in other countries. She recommended governments networking space. The roundtables enabled small group
tailor tax regimes to favor investment in renewables. discussions on a variety of popular and emerging energy
issues. Innovate@WFES provided a hub for startup companies
NETWORKING VISITING EXHIBITION on clean technology.
The WFES Exhibition took place alongside the Summit A sample of side events at WFES 2012 is summarized
sessions. Delegates were offered the opportunity to tour the below.
WFES Exhibition late Wednesday afternoon, viewing the
offerings of several hundred exhibitors who filled the venue MASDAR CITY
This side event was held every day at the Masdar Theatre.
with booths, working models, video displays, and giveaway
Assem Kabesh, Masdar City, presented information on this
items. planned, state-of-the-art “sustainable city,” highlighting
Electric cars, including one currently being tested at Masdar the UAE’s policy to move from a commodities-based
City, drew a steady stream of interest. One educational display to knowledge-based economy. The six kilometer-square
on smart transportation offered participants the opportunity to Masdar City area aims to attract renewable energy and clean
“drive” using a video-monitor racetrack. technology industries, and will be equipped to visualize and
Other eye-catching installations included the wind turbine track resource use patterns. As an incentive, foreign-owned
rotating high above the IRENA booth, a water sprinkler system businesses and employees in Masdar City will be tax-exempt
displaying lighting and logo effects, and an oil corporation’s for a period of 50 years. He said that Masdar aims to shift
demonstration of carbon capture and storage using Lego the UAE from an oil-based, consumption economy to a
blocks. knowledge-based economy.
Technology went hand-in-hand with human resource SHOULD TARIFFS BE IMPOSED ON SOLAR PANELS
development as students and young people thronged the lecture FROM CHINA?
spaces and special events, including participants in Masdar’s This side event was held on Tuesday afternoon at the
Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) initiative. YFEL Theater. Youth teams debated the US (pro-tariff) and
While the focus at WFES was on technological innovation, Chinese (anti-tariff) positions on solar panels. China accounts
many government agencies ran pavilions promoting investment for 60% of the world’s solar panel industry and exports 95%
opportunities and country products, from solar panels to carbon of its production. The pro-tariff team claimed there is unfair
competition. The anti-tariff team argued the success results
markets and coastal monitoring. Conference and specialized
from good manufacturing processes and cheap labor. The
publishing industry representatives also worked the hallways, motion against tariffs narrowly won the debate.
offering information on and overviews of the renewables
market through publications and organized events. INTELLIGENCE IN FUTURE ENERGY SYSTEMS
During a Wednesday morning side event at the Siemens
SIDE EVENTS Pavilion, Ulrich Eberl, Siemens presented a vision of an urban
In addition to the plenary and parallel sessions, delegates energy system resembling the Internet, connecting smart
attended numerous events throughout WFES, including: energy-producing and consuming devices. He said exponential
roundtable discussions; the Project Village; discussions at the increases in computing will result in more smart devices and
YFEL Pavilion; displays at Innovate@WFES; presentations at applications for device interactions, and optimized consumer
the Masdar Theatre; and numerous other side events, meetings, lifestyles.
and workshops at national, institutional, and company SOLAR POWERED WATER DESALINATION
pavilions. During an early afternoon round table on Wednesday, Tom
Joseph, President, Epiphany Solar Water Systems, described
his company’s use of CSP to power seawater desalination
Masdar Pavillion
14 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
and purification through flash distillation. He said it is safe, The winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize 2012 were:
scalable, affordable, and accessible, and the target markets Schneider Electric (France) in the Large Corporations category
include: governments; municipal plants; and NGOs and local for providing safe, reliable, and efficient energy; Ashok
micro-entrepreneurs in the developing world. Gadgil in the Lifetime Achievement category for his work in
reducing fuel wood consumption in Darfur through efficient
CARBON CONSCIOUS CORPORATIONS cooking stoves; and the Carbon Disclosure Project (UK) in the
During a Wednesday afternoon side event at the Vestas small and medium enterprises (SME) and NGO category for
Pavilion, Vestas presented WindMade, a certification scheme motivating 3,000 of the world’s largest companies to disclose
for organizations that produce a minimum of 25% of their their carbon and water use.
energy from renewable sources. The Vestas representative said
his company had invested half their winnings from the 2011 upcOming meetings
Zayed Future Energy Prize into developing WindMade. He
noted that Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Lego, Method, Initial Discussions on the Zero Draft of UNCSD
Motorola, and others are also working towards certification. Outcome Document: The initial discussions on the “zero
ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN SOLAR CAR draft” of the Outcome Document for the UN Conference on
Throughout the week, the Japan Pavilion sponsored Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) will take place
Emirati students to learn about generating electricity from from 25-27 January 2012, and will be based on a compilation
non-conventional sources and building and driving mini-solar of the input received by the UNCSD Secretariat from member
powered cars. Ikuko Ukaji, George P. Johnson Experience States and other stakeholders. dates: 25-27 January 2012
Marketing, said, “We thought it could be a good opportunity to location: New York, US contact: UNCSD Secretariat email:
share [the Japanese] strategy on education [with the Emiratis].” uncsd2012@un.org www: http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/
EXXON MOBIL: WOMEN ADVANCING SOLUTIONS index.php?page=view&nr=409&type=13&menu=23
Hanaan Yahya, Exxon Mobil, spoke on Thursday morning at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012: The
the ExxonMobil Pavilion on the opportunities for appropriately World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2012 will convene
trained women in the oil and gas industry. Lamya Mohamed, under the theme “The Great Transformation: Shaping New
Emirates Foundation, underscored the importance of Models” in late January 2012. dates: 25-29 January 2012
empowering female youth through scholarships spanning the location: Davos, Switzerland phone: +41-22-869-1212 fax:
arts, environment and scientific research. Sulaf Al-Zu’bi, CEO, +41-22-786-2744 email: contact@weforum.org www: http://
INJAZ-UAE, urged the energy sector to market itself to attract www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-
more brilliant, young minds. meeting-2012
ZAYED FUTURE ENERGY PRIZE Transforming Transportation: The ninth annual
The fourth annual Zayed Future Energy Prize award “Transforming Transportation” event will take place at the
ceremony was held on Tuesday evening at the Emirates World Bank in Washington DC, US, in late January 2012,
Palace Hotel. The Prize, named after the late founding
and will focus on big ideas to scale-up sustainable transport
father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,
best practices in cities worldwide. dates: 26-27 January
celebrates achievements in the fields of renewable energy
2012 location: World Bank, Washington, DC, US contact:
and sustainability that reflect three criteria: innovation, long-
term vision, and leadership. Submissions were assessed by a EMBARQ phone: +1-202-729-7600 fax: +1-202-729-7610
jury composed of diverse members including Olafur Ragnar email: embarq@wri.org www: http://www.embarq.org/en/
Grimsson, President of Iceland, Mohamed Nasheed, President transforming-transportation-2012
of the Maldives, tennis player Andre Agassi, and actor
Leonardo di Caprio.
Winners and runners-up of the Zayed Future Energy Prize (L-R): Jean-Pascal Tricore, Schneider Electric; Ashok Gadgil, University of California;
Paul Dickinson, Carbon Disclosure Project; HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Damian Miller,
Founder and CEO of Orb Energy; Eric Pooley, Environmental Defense Fund; Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director-General, Zayed Future Energy Prize.
15 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
Dialogue on Energy and Climate Change Governance: cities; resilient integrated urban design; resilient urban
This seventh meeting in a series of dialogues organized by renewable energy; resilient urban logistics; and financing
the Organization of American States (OAS) will seek to the resilient city. dates: 12-15 May 2012 location: Bonn
generate recommendations for UNCSD on improving the (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Germany contact: Resilient Cities
normative framework for energy sustainability and climate 2012 - Congress Secretariat phone: +49–(0)228 / 976 299-
change mitigation. dates: 28 February 2012 location: OAS 28 fax: +49-(0)228 / 976 299-01 email: bonn2012@iclei.org
headquarters, Washington, DC, US contact: Mark Lambrides www: http://resilient-cities.iclei.org/bonn2012/home/
phone: +1-202-458-6261 fax: +1-202- 458-3560 email: Joint Japan-IRENA workshop for promoting renewable
MLambrides@oas.org www: http://www.oas.org/en/sedi/dsd/ energy in the Pacific Island region: This workshop aims
rio+20/default.asp to further strengthen cooperation between the International
CIF SREP Pilot Countries Meeting: The Climate Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Pacific Island
Investment Funds (CIF) Scaling-Up Renewable Energy countries in the field of renewable energy. It will take place
Program (SREP) will hold a meeting of its pilot countries, to late May 2012, taking advantage of the 6th Pacific Islands
evaluate progress and discuss tasks ahead. dates: 7-10 March Leaders Meeting (PALM6) in Okinawa, Japan. dates: late
2012 location: Nairobi, Kenya contact: Zhihong Zhang May 2012 location: Okinawa, Japan contact: Ms. Kotono
phone: +1-202-458-1801 email: zzhang2@worldbank.org HARA, Economic Security Division, Economic Affairs
www: http://www.climateinvestmentfunds.org/cif/content/srep- Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs phone: +81-3-5501-8339
pilot-country-meetings email: kotono.hara-2@mofa.go.jp www: http://www.mofa.
Third Intersessional Meeting for UNCSD: The final go.jp/region/asia-paci/palm/palm6/index.html
intersessional meeting for the UNCSD will be convened 7th Clean Asia Energy Forum 2012: This annual flagship
in March 2012. dates: 26-27 March 2012 location: UN event of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) serves as a
Headquarters, New York contact: UNCSD Secretariat email: knowledge sharing platform for learning and exchange of
uncsd2012@un.org www: http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/ experiences on key issues and latest developments in clean
Second IEA Energy Training Week: This interactive energy. dates: 4-8 June 2012 location: Manila, Philippines
training event is delivered by a large team of International contact: Aiming Zhou, ADB email: azhou@adb.org www:
Energy Agency (IEA) experts who will take government http://beta.adb.org/news/events/7th-asia-clean-energy-
officials and private sector experts from non-IEA countries forum-2012
through a mix of focused lectures, practical exercises, and field Third PrepCom for UNCSD: The third meeting of the
trips. dates: 2-6 April 2012 location: IEA, Paris, France 33 Preparatory Committee for the UNCSD will take place in
fax: +33-1-40576509 email: training.programme@iea.org Brazil just prior to the Conference. dates: 13-15 June 2012
info@greenorbis www: http://www.iea.org/training/etw12.asp location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil contact: UNCSD Secretariat
International Congress on Energy Security: This email: uncsd2012@un.org www: http://www.uncsd2012.org/
conference will cover a wide range of issues, such as: standard G20 Summit 2012: This meeting will consider: economic
and alternative energy sources and policies, renewable stability and structural reform for growth and employment;
energies, climate changes, and geopolitics. dates: 4-5 strengthening of financial systems and procurement of
April 2012 location: Geneva, Switzerland contact: Global financial inclusion for economic growth; improving
Bioenergy Partnership Secretariat phone: +41-32-422-59-33 international financial architecture in an interconnected
fax: +41 32 422 59 07 email: info@greenorbis.ch www: global economy; mitigating negative effects on price level
http://energysecuritycongress.com/ and volatility of commodities, in particular those affecting
Sustainable Biomass for Electricity Conference (SB4E): food security; and promoting sustainable development with a
This conference, organized by UN-Energy in cooperation with focus on infrastructure, energy efficiency, green growth, and
the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) and other partners, financing the fight against climate change. dates: 18-19 June
will consider the role of biomass technologies in decarbonizing 2012 location: Los Cabos, Mexico contact: Aiming Zhou,
the global energy system. dates: 18-20 April 2012 location: ADB email: azhou@adb.org www: http://www.g20.org/
Austria contact: Global Bioenergy Partnership Secretariat index.aspx
phone: +39-06-57052834 fax: +39-06-57053369 email: Rio+20/UN Conference on Sustainable Development:
GBEP-Secretariat@fao.org www: http://www.un-energy.org/ The UNCSD will mark the 20th anniversary of the UN
stories/1577-upcoming-sustainable-biomass-for-electricity- Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit),
conference which convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. dates:
Clean Energy Ministerial 3 (CEM3): The meeting will 20-22 June 2012 location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil contact:
discuss progress made by the 11 CEM clean energy initiatives, UNCSD Secretariat email: uncsd2012@un.org www: http://
explore ways to enhance collaboration between participating www.uncsd2012.org/
governments, and develop strategies to drive public-private Africa Energy Forum: This gathering is Africa’s premier
engagement to support clean energy deployment. dates: annual power and gas investment and business forum, where
25-26 April 2012 location: London, UK contact: CEM governments and state utilities address the international energy
Secretariat email: a.flammini@unido.org www: http://www. community on opportunities available in Africa’s power
cleanenergyministerial.org/cem3/index.html and gas sectors. dates: 26-28 June 2012 location: Berlin,
Resilient Cities 2012: Organized by ICLEI, this meeting Germany contact: Rod Cargill phone: +44-(0)20-7370-8406
will focus on the following themes: urban risk and the issue email: cargill@energynet.co.uk www: http:// http://www.
of urban infrastructure as a key element in building resilient energynet.co.uk/
16 World Future Energy Summit Bulletin, Final Issue, Vol. 187, No. 11, Sunday, 22 January 2012
IUCN World Conservation Congress 2012: The Congress ACRONYMS
will explore many of the most pressing environmental
and development challenges and how strong and resilient
nature is intricately linked to solving these issues, including ABIREC Abu Dhabi Renewable Energy Conference
nature+climate, nature+livelihoods, nature+energy and ADB Asian Development Bank
nature+economics. dates: 6-15 September 2012 location: BIREC Beijing International Renewable Energy
Jeju (Cheju-Do), Republic of Korea contact: Enrique Conference
Lahmann phone: +41 22 999 0336 fax: +41 22 9990002 CCS Carbon capture and storage
email: congress@iucn.org www: http://www.iucn.org/2012_ CDM Clean Development Mechanism
congress/about/
Asia Future Energy Forum & Exhibition: This meeting CO2 carbon dioxide
promotes leading-edge sustainable energy governance, CPV concentrated photovoltaics
business, investment, finance, and technology that enable the CSD UN Commission on Sustainable Development
smart delivery of clean energy solutions. dates: 22-24 October CSP concentrated solar power
2012 location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore contact: Rachel DIREC Delhi International Renewable Energy
Low email: rachel.low@reedexpo.com.sg www: http://www. Conference
afef.com.sg/
The International Workshop on Advances in Energy FAO UN Food and Agriculture Organization
Studies 2012: This meeting is dedicated to advances, GW gigawatt
innovation and visions in energy and energy-related IEA International Energy Agency
environmental and socio-economic issues. dates: 25-27 IFC International Finance Corporation
October 2012 location: Mumbai, India contact: Conference IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Secretariat email: karthikeya@igidr.ac.in www: http://www.
IREC International Renewable Energy Council
igidr.ac.in/
UNFCCC COP18: The 18th session of the Conference of IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency
the Parties (COP 18) to the UN Framework Convention on LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the eighth Conference of the MW megawatt
Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
(COP18/MOP 8), are scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar. Development
dates: 26 November - 7 December 2012 location: Doha, PV photovoltaics
Qatar contact: UNFCCC Secretariat phone: +49-228-815-
1000 fax: +49-228-815-1999 email: secretariat@ unfccc.int REN21 Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st
www: http://unfccc.int Century
Third Session of the IRENA Assembly: The third session RIO+20/ UN Conference on Sustainable Development
of the IRENA Assembly is scheduled to take place in January UNCSD
2013. dates: 13-14 January 2013 location: Abu Dhabi, UAE SRREN IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy
contact: Stephanie Roesch phone: +971-2-4179001 email: Sources and Climate
secretariat@irena.org www: http://www.irena.org UNCED UN Conference on Environment and
World Future Energy Summit 2013 / ABIREC: The
Development
sixth World Future Energy Summit is scheduled to take place
in 2013. It will host the Abu Dhabi International Renewable UNDP UN Development Programme
Energy Conference (ABIREC), the fifth installment of the UNEP UN Environment Programme
“IREC” series, the world’s highest level political conference UNIDO UN Industrial Development Organization
series dedicated to renewable energy policy worldwide. UNFCCC UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
The meetings are intended to created additional momentum UNGA UN General Assembly
for the advancement of renewable energy and energy
efficiency policies as well as energy access, partnerships, and WFES World Future Energy Summit
technologies through dialogue of government and industry WIREC Washington International Renewable Energy
stakeholders. dates: 15-17 January 2013 location: Abu Conference
Dhabi, UAE contact: Fiona Watson phone: +44-1451- WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development
830129 email: wfes@elsevier.com www: http://www. YFEL Young Future Energy Leaders
worldfutureenergysummit.com
Video presented to delegates during the Opening Ceremony and Policy Forum