Abu Dhabi: Clean energy technologies are making clear progress globally, but achieving sustainable energy goals will require a doubling of all renewable energy use by 2020, according to Richard Jones, deputy executive director of the International Energy Agency.

Speaking at the second Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM2) conference that opened in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Jones said as fossil fuels continue to outpace clean energy technologies, more aggressive clean energy policies were required, including the removal of fossil fuel subsidies and implementation of transparent, predictable and adaptive incentives for cleaner, more efficient energy options.

He said the recent earthquake in Japan and resulting damage have led countries to review nuclear safety and investments across the board. As a result, nuclear expansion is likely to be slower than planned, he said.

Countries around the globe are currently constructing 66 nuclear reactors that should add 60 Gigawatts by 2015.

A high-level global forum promoting policies and programmes to advance clean energy, the Clean Energy Ministerial brought together ministers from the world's major economies.

In cooperation with the United States, the UAE led the dialogue amongst 21 governments - including ministers, business leaders and nongovernmental organisations - to progress initiatives that will accelerate the world's transition to clean energy.

The UAE is actively participating in four initiatives, which include the Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Women's Initiative (C3E), the Clean Energy Solutions Centre, the Carbon Capture Use and Storage Action Group, and the Multilateral Working Group on Wind and Solar Technologies. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, and Chief Executive of Masdar, reiterated that the UAE is acting to develop and help shape the policies and programmes that will facilitate a future based on clean energy solutions.

Ministers at CEM2 are building upon 11 specific initiatives, with a focus on energy efficiency, clean energy supply and mobilising smart public finance. The government officials will also collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders from around the world in roundtables to engage in dialogue on clean energy issues including: regulatory strategies for utility-scale energy efficiency; innovative technologies for energy efficiency; renewable energy and energy access; and sustainable cities.

As part of the C3E Initiative, distinguished female leaders from around the world will discuss "The Role of Women in the Clean Energy Revolution" in an event hosted by the Masdar Institute.

The UAE's contributions to initiatives like C3E - which will inspire and empower young women to become clean energy leaders - are creating tangible, real-life tools to support the nation's long-term transition to a knowledge-based economy centred around sustainable energy solutions.

CEM2 comes to Abu Dhabi during an important week when the emirate also hosted the historic First Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA is mandated by its members to promote the adoption of renewable energy worldwide.

The UAE has placed renewable energy and climate change high on its agenda, demonstrated through a variety of actions including the inception of the Masdar initiative, the Abu Dhabi green building code (Estidama), the World Future Energy Summit and the Zayed Future Energy Prize.

Governments participating in the Clean Energy Ministerial initiatives include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.