The Minister of Energy of the Republic of South Africa, HE Ms Dipuo Peters embarked on a three pronged official visit to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, first, to attend the 6th World Future Energy Summit (WFES), second, the Zayed Energy Future Prize (ZEFP) in attendance on behalf of HE President, Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, and third, to attend the third session of the Assembly of IRENA from 12th – 17th January 2013, respectively.
These events forms part of celebrating the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, scheduled for January 13-17, 2013.
Third session of the Assembly of IRENA, January 13-14, 2013
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was established to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The Minister of Energy, Ms Dipuo Peters signed the IRENA Statutes on 17 January 2010 enabling South Africa to become a full member of the Agency.
South Africa ratified the IRENA Statutes in 2010 which ultimately made the country to form part of the Assembly. The first and second session of the IRENA Assembly were held from 4 - 5 April 2011 and 14 – 15 January 2012 respectively, in Abu Dhabi. The Integrated Resources Plan (IRP) commitment South Africa to have up to 42 % of electricity generated through renewable energy in the period between 2010 and 2030.
It is in this context that the Department of Energy's (DoE’s) participation in IRENA is of strategic importance not only to be part of annual Council deliberations but to use this platform to forge relations with partners to facilitated realisation of this objective.
World Future Energy Summit (WFES), January 15 - 17, 2013
Headed for its 6th year, the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) is the world’s foremost annual meeting, committed to promoting advancement of future energy technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, water and waste management.
The World Future Energy Forum is held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, hosted by Masdar. The World Future Energy Summit 2013 will bring together global leaders in policy, technology and business to discuss the state of the art, develop new ways of thinking and shape the future of renewable energy.
Keynote interviews will be conducted regarding Low Carbon Future in Technology, issues pertaining water and energy will also be discussed as they are critical to the survival of human beings. The Summit will bring together depth of knowledge and breadth of high level representatives, global leaders in policy, delegates and exhibitors.
The 2013 Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP), January 15, 2013
The ZFEP is the Abu Dhabi government backed initiative that has now become an annual global event that aims to even position itself as a catalyst for the on-going development of renewable energy and clean technology.
Since its inception in 2009, the ZFEP has been growing both in terms of the number of participants it attract annually. The initiative is also in its reputation and influence as the authority that is much recognised by the global renewable energy and sustainability community.
Minister Peters represents HE President, Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma as a Jury Member. The ZFEP convene annually as a final stage of evaluation process to decide on the prize winners in the five (monetary and non-momentary) prize categories, namely; the Large Corporation, Non-Governmental Organisation, Small Medium Enterprises, Life Time Achievements and Global High Schools. It is for this reasons that the Minister will forms part of the 5th ZFEP Annually Award ceremony that will be bestowing prize and recognition to the category winners.
For enquiries:
Johannes Mokobane
Cell: 082 7663674
Tel: 012 444 4612
Email: johannes.mokobane@energy.gov.za or mediadesk@energy.gov.za
