Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy addresses Gas Arabia Summit 2015

Environment

Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy addresses Gas Arabia Summit 2015

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of DEWA, delivered a keynote address at the 10th Gas Arabia Summit, which is held from 13 to 15 January at the Sheraton Grand hotel in Dubai. The Summit, which is held in partnership with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and supported by the World Banks Global Gas Flaring Partnership, British Petroleum (BP), and TOTAL, discusses achievements of the past decade while addressing the challenges that lay ahead. The Summit was attended by a large number of national and international companies.

The 10th Gas Arabia Summit explores diversification of gas reserves, the regions supply demand equation, and solutions to meet rising industry demand with predictions placing global gas use level with coal as the second largest fuel in the global energy mix by 2040.

In the last few years, the UAE has taken serious steps to address global issues in energy security and efficiency, and renewable energy sources. In line with the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has created a platform to drive specific programmes and projects where opportunities and innovation can meet energy challenges. We have launched a number of initiatives to reduce energy demand and build capacities and capabilities to sustain the social and economic growth of the UAE. The Supreme Council of Energy sets renewable energy at the top of its agenda to diversify energy sources and contribute to carbon reduction. Hosting the World Expo 2020, will showcase one of the largest green mega events in the world, said Al Tayer.

We have recognised a number of pressing energy issues. These are climate change, global warming, and security of energy supply. We understand that a sustainability model is needed to integrate energy as an essential element in our planning and economic development. This means positioning energy at the heart of our economies, while addressing environmental and social concerns, noted Al Tayer.

The exceptional growth of energy demand during Dubais infrastructure boom has raised the need to seek smart strategy towards the security of supply and diversification of fuel sources. Therefore, in 2011, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy launched the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to achieve a number of objectives. These are security of energy supply to sustain Dubais growth, diversification of fuel sources, supporting the green economy and sustainable development of the Dubai, and developing the regulatory framework required to attract private investments in clean energy projects. To benchmark our plans and progress, we have been actively engaged with local, regional, and international organisations representing government, industry, financial and non-government organisations. These serious steps have provided us with tools to assess where we are now and what we can take on board for the next phase, added Al Tayer.

Although our journey in energy efficiency and sustainability began a few years ago, we are pleased with the tangible results that have been achieved so far. We are undertaking prudent steps into a new era, to deliver strategic programmes to support Dubais vision to become a role model in energy management, sustainability, economic growth, and green economy, concluded Al Tayer.

The Summit welcomes a wide range of government and private organisations from the gas and energy sector from around the world. A number of international experts and analysts in energy security are attending the event. The conference features lectures and workshops that discuss ideal forms of cooperation among energy organisations and the role of the private sector in supporting regional efforts to meet increasing demand for gas. The conference discusses the development in the gas sector in the GCC countries and mechanisms for management and strategic planning in this sector.