LEADERS IN MENA SOLAR INDUSTRY CELEBRATED AT THE BIG 5 SOLAR

LEADERS IN MENA SOLAR INDUSTRY CELEBRATED AT THE BIG 5 SOLAR

Industry pioneers gather at high-profile Global Solar Leaders’ Summit to highlight the growing importance of solar solutions in the urban sector.

Dubai, November 27:  Under the Patronage of the Ministry of Energy & Industry, United Arab Emirates, the Global Solar Leaders’ Summit has been held at The Big 5 Solar for a 4th edition. Under the topical theme ‘Solar Solutions for Construction’, the summit has brought together industry decision makers and thought leaders to assess the future of solar in the GCC region.

Ali Mohammed Al Jassim, CEO Etihad ESCO,Yousif Al Ali, Director, Business Development, MASDAR Clean Energy, Faisil Rashid, Director - Demand Side Management, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Rajit Nanda, Chief Investment Officer, ACWA Power and Ivano Ianelli, CEO, Dubai Carbon, Centre of Excellence were among the many high profile speakers who participated at the event.

In his opening remarks, Chris Kilbee, Senior Vice President at dmg events said: “Much of the energy consumption in the region is driven by urban spaces: The residential sector is responsible for the consumption of almost 47 percent of the GCC’s total energy, against a global average of 25 percent.
“If we consider that there are more than 23,000 active construction projects in the GCC right now, we understand that it is extremely important for the solar and the construction industries to join forces, address current challenges and harness the immense opportunities that lie ahead.”
Ali Mohammed Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ESCO
Ali Mohammed Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ESCO
In his keynote address, Ali Mohammed Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ESCO said: “Today, we are leading the region in energy efficiency. We saved Dubai AED40mn in 2016/7 through retrofitting and our success story has made an echo around the globe. We have a plan and target to retrofit 30,000 buildings - a target of 2,000 per year. No other city has put such a challenging target but we have a path, a goal, a plan. The target is 30% by 2030; it’s just a matter of time.
“We are also talking about building labeling. Every building that has been retrofitted and achieved savings should be recognized. We are working on the operational plan and it will be made public in 2019/20.”

To celebrate achievements towards a more sustainable and efficient urban footprint through solar solutions, dmg events presented two awards at the summit. The Global Green Ambassador Award to Obaid Amrane, Member of the Management Board, Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), and the Global Solar Leaders’ Award to Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Masdar.

Belén Gallego, CEO & Co-Founder at ATA Insights (Spain), and one of the speakers at the Global Solar Leaders; summit said: “It has never been more important for the solar and construction industries to come together, as distributed solar markets are raising through the ranks to be an important part of the climate change solution. This event is a great opportunity for these two industries to meet, discuss and do business.”

Taking place on November 27 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Global Solar Leaders’ Summit is part of The Big 5 Solar, which displays the latest solar innovations from top local and international brands.

In a bid to further tie the solar industry to urban spaces in the GCC, the event is offering free CPD (continuing professional development) certified education sessions for construction professionals.

The Big 5 Solar runs until 29 November 2018 (from 11:00 to 19:00 hrs daily) at Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Hall 6. It enjoys support from Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), Clean Energy Business Council, Sharjah Electricity and Water Association (SEWA), GCC Association for Renewable Energy and Sustainability - Green Gulf, Architectural Solar Association – ASA, BPVA – British Photovoltaic Association, Solar GCC Alliance, Jinko Solar, S5, Campion, Sunew, Verditek, Heliatek, NeOn Energy, and Enerray.

Offering a one-stop shop for all things construction related from concept through to design, The Big 5 Solar runs as part of The Big 5 along with HVAC R Expo, the Urban Design & Landscaping Expo, Middle East Concrete and The Big 5 Heavy. The mega construction event is hosting over 2,500 exhibiting companies and 100+ educational sessions.

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About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

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To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.