UAE seeks leading role as green energy provider

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon yesterday launched the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All at the fifth annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES), inaugurated by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces yesterday. \"The UAE is committed to retaining its leading role as a global energy provider through energy diversification including the adoption of renewable energy technologies,\" Shaikh Mohammad said. \"In addressing the several challenges facing the world today, it is our responsibility to guarantee energy security and to exert every effort in developing clean technologies. It is our responsibility to take advantage of the various renewable natural sources of energy to achieve sustainable development.\" Ban said, over a billion people lack access to electric power and three billion people depend on coal, wood and waste substances for their heating and cooking purposes. \"There is a dire need for a clean energy revolution.\" The opening ceremony was attended by Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister of China, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Iceland, Waldemar Pawlak, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland and Nasser Abdul Aziz Al Nasser, President of the UN 66th General Assembly among other leaders.