UAE INVITES SECRETARY CHU TO WFES

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000715

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP AND OES/EGC (THOMPSON)
DOE FOR OFFICE OF AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EAST POLICY (ERICKSON)
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (BHALLA)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV KGHG AE
SUBJECT: UAE INVITES SECRETARY CHU TO WFES


1. (SBU) During a July 2 meeting, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of
Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company),told the Ambassador that
he would like to invite Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu to be a
keynote speaker at the third World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in
Abu Dhabi January 18-21, 2010. Al Jaber noted that WFES would
coincide with the third Preparatory Committee meeting of the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi.


2. (SBU) On July 9, Masdar delivered an official invitation letter
(text below) for Secretary Chu. Post will forward the complete
invitation package to DOE.


3. (SBU) Note and Comment: The World Future Energy Summit
(http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/) is one of the largest
international conferences on future energy technologies, climate
change and sustainability. Former Energy Secretary Bodman spoke at
the inaugural WFES in 2008. The UAE is investing heavily in
renewable technologies and related research in an effort to promote
renewables production and consumption. Its recent efforts to be
selected as the headquarters of IRENA indicate the political will
behind the UAE's public commitments to developing, supporting and
adopting sustainable energy technologies. End Note and Comment.


4. (SBU) Begin text of invitation letter:

June 8th, 2009

Dr. Steven Chu
Secretary of Energy
United States of America

I would like to begin by thanking you and the United States
government for the support you have extended the United Arab
Emirates during their successful bid to host the International
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

I am delighted to invite you to participate as one of the keynote
speakers at our 3rd World Future Energy Summit on January 18 - 21,
2010 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The World Future Energy Summit has become the premier platform for
sustainable future energy solutions. Over the past two years the
event has attracted world and industry leaders, policy makers and
researchers to develop actionable responses to future energy
solutions, climate change and sustainability.

Masdar is honored to host a distinguished panel of global leaders
gathered to share their knowledge and ideas with the veritable who's
who concerned with the future energy and environmental challenges we
face.

Last year's event attracted over 18,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors
from 84 countries and included keynotes from global figures such as
Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister and Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Nobel
Laureate and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change.

We believe that when the greatest minds from government, academia
and industry come together, seemingly overpowering challenges become
feasible. We believe that the World Future Energy Summit 2010 will
serve as a catalyst for the next generation of green solutions.

To confirm your participation or if you have any queries, please
contact Anca Westley at +971 5667 9668, awestley@masdar.ae. For more
information regarding World Future Energy Summit 2010 please visit
www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber
Chief Executive Officer
Masdar

End text.
OLSON