As the global energy demand continues to rise, and governments invest further in renewable sources, the sustainable energy industry is emerging as an economic powerhouse. It is not just the development of alternative energy sources, like solar, wind, geothermal or hydropower, that is driving this spectacular industry growth; domestic sustainability and green jobs are all playing a major role in the sector's rapid expansion. The REN21 Renewables 2012 Global Status Report, the sister publication of the Renewables Global Futures Report which will be launched during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 15-17, 2013, said over $257 billion were invested in renewable energy in 2011. 200 million homes worldwide now collect solar hot water, and globally there are 5 million jobs created in renewable energy industries. These are significant numbers which make the new exhibition features at sixth edition of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES 2013), hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted renewable energy company, so crucial to the continued growth of the sector. “With the World Future Energy Summit confirming its position as the world's foremost event for the sustainability sector, we want to keep adding more value for the 30,000 people expected to attend. We also want to keep up with the current trends in the renewable energy industries, and support the sector as it becomes more important to the global economy,” said Naji El Haddad, Show Director for WFES 2013. WFES 2013 will see the introduction of the Sustainable Living Area, incorporating the WFES Eco-Home endorsed by Estidama and the energy efficiency pavilion. The WFES Eco-Home is a real size, walk-in house featuring green and eco-friendly elements, complying with the Estidama Pearl Rating System. Also being showcased for the first time is the Technology Exchange Platform (TXP) which enables businesses to present and discuss their latest products, services and solutions in renewable and sustainable energy technologies to a global audience. WFES2013 also promises to be a hub for renewable energy professionals looking for further career opportunities as well as companies looking for skilled staff and graduates. “For the first time, we are featuring a Green Jobs Fair, in collaboration with Masdar Institute, which will offer invaluable networking opportunities to connect renewable energy employers and experienced people working in the sector,” El Haddad said. “The Green Ideas Fair and the Food-Energy-Water Nexus Exhibition and Gallery are other exhibition features making their debut at WFES 2013, so we are really focusing on supporting the sector's growth as renewable energy becomes a powerful and global mainstream industry.” “In addition to these new features, the Project and Finance Village first introduced in 2011 will return with more investors, more financiers and 40 projects, worth over $8 billion, looking for funding and technologies.” The summit is the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and will be co-located with the inaugural International Water Summit, also hosted by Masdar. During this time, WFES 2013 will also be the host venue for the prestigious biennial International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi (ADIREC). ADSW will open with the third session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). — SG
