World's first 'carbon neutral' city backdrop for energy summit » Environment » 24dash.com

The first World Future Energy Summit is to take place this week against the backdrop of Masdar City - the first carbon neutral city ever to be built

The world's leading experts, innovators, scientists and advisors in the field of renewable future energy are set to converge on Abu Dhabi for the inuagural conference.

Designed by world-renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, once constructed, Masdar City will be a car free metropolis, powered entirely by renewable energy.

Masdar City is based around the concept of a 6km sq, car-free “walled-city” scheme. The development is being driven by Abu Dhabi’s Future Energy Company and will include a new HQ for the company as well as a new university.

Foster + Partners say Masdar will be constructed in two stages. The first phase would see the construction of a large photovoltaic power plant, which would later become the site for the second phase.

The surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, so that the city will be entirely self-sustaining, the architect said. The development is set to open in late 2009.

Sir Norman will deliver a keynote speech at the conference - outlining his vision for the future of sustainable development - joining a stellar list of globally renowned speakers who will be sharing their views and ideas for the future of energy production and consumption.

Other leading speakers include:

Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director, Forum for the Future Dr. Gerd Leipold, CEO, Greenpeace International Malcolm Wicks MP, British Minister for Energy, UK Lady Barbara Thomas-Judge, Chairman, UK Atomic Energy Authority

The event is presented by Masdar, a unique initiative launched by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC) to promote the adoption of a global approach to alternative energy.

Focusing on education, funding and technology development and supported by the world’s leading energy concerns, Masdar is creating a globally supported hub for the development of sustainable energy.  

Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference to discuss key issues surrounding sustainable and alternative energy solutions and future technologies.

A 14,000 square metre exhibition, showcasing the present and future state of alternative energy technologies will be hosted alongside the conference catering for over 10,000 visitors.

On announcing the conference, Masdar CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, said: “When HH General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched Masdar last April, we wanted to create an environment that spearheads the development of alternative energy technologies.

“Abu Dhabi has a strong heritage of commitment to the environment, and it is our responsibility to take this commitment to the highest levels. Science and technology clusters, investment funds, education and career development, as well as exhibitions and conferences such as the WFES are the starting point that we and our partners and supporters are implementing towards this commitment.”

The World Future Energy Summit is supported by a number of the world's leading organisations with global financial institution Credit Suisse confirmed as the event’s principal sponsor.

Other sponsorship partners include leading International Corporations such as BP, Shell, Standard Chartered Bank, International Power plc, Total, Dolphin Energy and the Occidental Petroleum Corporation.

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