Dubai: Sustainability and energy access will be on top of the agenda at the upcoming World Energy Forum, according to organisers.
"More than ever before in human history the need for access to affordable clean energy is palpable everywhere in developing as well as advanced nations. National and international policies addressing energy security, climate change and other sensitive environmental issues will affect the choices of energy providers and consumers. Many companies are working on carbon capture and storage technologies necessary to make clean coal a reality because coal will remain one of the predominant sources of electricity for decades to come," said Dr Harold H.S. Oh, chairman of the executive board of the World Energy Forum.
According to Oh, the conference gathering will consist of two different camps — representatives from energy producing companies and representatives of energy consuming countries. "These two parts will come together and have a dialogue about how energy needs can be fulfilled by collaborating with both sides."
The event will also cover the issue of nuclear energy, which has been a hot topic since the meltdown of nuclear reactors in Japan.
"It's a large industry across the world, has great potential, but in recent years there were a lot of problems. However, focus is not on discussing elimination of this energy but how to use it. We want to promote an energy mix that is sustainable — we need petroleum, nuclear and renewable energy to bring energy to the 2 billion people that don't have access to it," said Oh.
The event will be held in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, between November 14 and 17.
Among the dignitaries likely to attend are south African President Jacob Zuma and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will give a keynote speech on behalf of the UN. Around 2,000 people are expected to attend.
