Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Receives French Consul General

As part of visits by diplomatic and consular missions of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy received HE Eric Giraud-Telme, the Consul General of France for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Martine Keller, Consultant in Charge of Relations with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Issues Related to Climate Change and Sustainable Development. The meetings, in the presence of Nejib Zaafrani, Secretary General & CEO of DSCE, discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Welcoming the Consul General of France, the Vice Chairman stressed the importance of strengthening mutual relations between the UAE and France, and promoting cooperation in the field of energy. He highlighted the significance of the meeting, describing it as an ideal platform for exchanging ideas between both sides. The topics that came up for discussion included sustainability within the realm of the Council’s strategic plans for conservation, protection of natural resources and promotion of sustainable development. Al Tayer explained that the Council’s conservation initiatives were in line with the nation’s long term ‘Strategy for Green Development’ and Dubai’s Vision under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is a uniquely successful institution with sustainability at the forefront of its goals and values. DEWA has invested years of extensive efforts in promoting sustainable development, and has achieved a leading position on a social, economic and global platform to promote sustainable development in the Emirate of Dubai for the long term,” added Al Tayer. “Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy for 2030 is to reduce demand for energy by 30% by the year 2030. The Council has launched a complete strategic initiative toward this goal, to manage energy demand, raise awareness and educate different sectors of UAE society on the importance of managing their need for electricity and water in a sustainable manner. The Emirate of Dubai also aims to protect its natural resources, manage environmental pollution as well as decrease carbon emissions. ‘Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be using solar power to generate electricity at a level of 1,000 MW. The Solar Park is part of our strategy to use clean and renewable energy, integral to ‘Dubai’s Integrated Strategy 2030.’ At present, Dubai depends on 99% gas and 1% of oil fuel to generate electricity. Plans are under way to reduce the consumption of gas to 71% with the remaining 29% divided between nuclear energy, coal and renewable energy,” he said. The French delegation displayed their keen interest in the renewable energy plans and will look for areas where the two nations can work together. It will start coordinated efforts by participating in the World Energy Forum (WEF) 2012, which is being organised under the banner “A Forum for World Leaders,” from 22-24 October, 2012, in Dubai World Trade Centre. French companies will be invited to participate in the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment (WETEX) exhibition in 2013, which will coincide with Dubai Global Energy Forum next year.