Abu Dhabi to host next IREC in January

Abu Dhabi will host next year’s International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC), a high-level political meeting dedicated to advancing worldwide renewable energy policy and innovation. The selection of the UAE to host the conference underscores the emirate’s active role in implementing renewable energy projects and accelerating clean technology. The conference will take place concurrently with the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, bringing two leading global clean energy platforms together to encourage the development and deployment of renewable energy. REN21, the convening body behind the Abu Dhabi International Renewable Energy Conference (ADIREC), selects host countries that have demonstrated a proven commitment to accelerating renewable energy adoption. Previous conferences took place in New Delhi in 2010, Washington in 2008, Beijing in 2005 and Bonn in 2004. “This is the first time this conference on renewable energy has come to the Middle East. It is a significant recognition of our strong leadership in the renewable energy sector,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company. “We are honoured to be selected as the conference host. This decision validates our wise and visionary leadership’s commitment to advancing renewable energy, and establishing the UAE as an energy and sustainability hub.” “Abu Dhabi, through the work of Masdar, has played an important role in rallying the UAE and neighbouring countries to pursue successful renewable energy development plans,” said Adnan Amin, director-general of IRENA, which will hold its third general assembly in January, coinciding with the opening of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.