Total will display the latest/ most innovative technologies and solutions in the field of energy efficiency, many of which are considered brand new to the Middle Eastern and North African markets.
The Summit, which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will showcase a wide range of energy -efficient related products.
Mr. Jean-Luc Guiziou, President (Total United Arab Emirates) has stressed the importance of participating in this summit, organized by Masdar.
He also stressed that sustainable development requires a more responsible use of energy via ‘cleaner; ways and means for its production, that is, according to a study conducted by the "International Atomic Energy Agency" in 2011.
He pointed out that urbanization is a major cause of energy consumption and carbon emissions, thus the adoption of new sustainable energy-efficient strategies as well as related technologies remains a basic pillar in achieving sustainable development, especially in the Middle East, whose population growth rates exceed that of the rest of the world.
He also pointed out the importance of our participation in the Summit’s exhibition and to demonstrate how the issue of energy efficiency remains a top priority for the company, especially in so far as it is in line with the Summit slogan: ‘Enabling Sustainable Innovation’.
For his part, Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President of the company (Total United Arab Emirates) said the company will display a model of its massive project: Shams 1- operated by Total in Abu Dhabi in cooperation with Masdar; a solar power plant with a 100 MW capacity.
The cost of "Shams 1", which would eventually cover the energy need of about 160 thousand households, stands at about 2.2 billion dirhams, "$ 600 million." Masdar holding 60%, Total 20% and Abengoa Solar (20%) of this gigantic project, which Mr. Al-Hajji described as ‘the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world’.
The clean power plants that are being implemented by Masdar will secure 7% of Abu Dhabi’s energy needs, from renewable resources, by 2020.
"Shams 1" is the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world, is being built on an area of 2.5 sq km in the Western region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
"Shams 1" operates by attracting sunlight via hundreds of thousands of mirrors that take the form of a parabola, which in turn reflects the sunlight into central oil pipelines which are subsequently heated, thus generating steam and in turn electricity. Shams 1 has in fact been recognized by the Kyoto Protocol of the UN for its clean development mechanism.
"Shams 1" has benefitted the local economy in more ways than one, through job creation and its contributions and aid to local communities in rural areas.
WFES is considered as a starting point for the world, enabling the identification of a wide range of products in the field of energy efficiency, across sectors and for all kinds of usage.
The WFES which is now entering its fifth year, is considered to be the World’s premier annual forum for promoting the development of renewable energy, and innovations in the areas of energy efficiency, waste management and clean water techniques.
The annual summit attracts some of the most prominent figures in Politics, Finance, Business, Education and various industries aiming to promote innovations, business opportunities and investments in order to meet the world’s growing need for sustainable energy. More than 26,000 people are expected to attend the Summit, including 3000 delegates, 650 exhibitors and 20 national pavilions.
