Geneva: The third European Future Energy Forum (EFEF), which began in Geneva yesterday, highlighted the role of renewable energy in generating jobs, wealth and welfare across the globe.
The developments in the past year proved the rele-vance of renewable energy, top officials said at the forum which was inaugurated by Micheline Calmy-Rey, president of the Swiss Confederation.
"Between 2009 and 2010, there has been a 35 per cent increase in global revenue from biofuels, solar and wind energy," said Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Masdar, Abu Dhabi, in his speech.
Jump in jobs
In Germany alone, jobs in renewable energy jumped from 94,000 in 2000 to 340,000 in 2010. And an additional 850,000 were added in the field of environmental technologies, he said.
"Much has happened since we last met. The events of the past year — in particular the incident at Fukushima and the continuing economic problems around the world — have given us many new challenges," Al Jaber said.
He also emphasised the role of clean and renewable energy in creating new economic opportunities in the current state of the global economy.
"By diversifying our energy mix and investing in clean, energy-efficient solutions, we can create both energy security and sustainable growth. We can create jobs and boost economic activity," he added.
Spain's Secretary of State for Energy, Dr. Fabrizio Hernandez Pampaloni, said: "We have also realised that the use of renewable energy sources not only contributes largely to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security, but also have a very positive impact on the economy as there is ample evidence that renewable energies generate jobs, wealth and welfare."
Exhibition
Over 3,000 government officials, investors, technology solution providers and academics are expected to convene over the three days of the third edition of EFEF 2011. The forum's programme includes an International ‘Cleantech' Exhibition that showcases companies with cutting-edge ideas and technology.
Companies will present their innovative products and services to interested buyers over the next two days. The forum also highlights the mounting international concern over climate change that underlines the importance of new energy sources and the development and management of existing ones.
