NGO News Desk :: The second Doha Carbon & Energy Forum (DCEF) began today, with Qatari and international experts meeting to discuss topics on energy efficiency, solar energy, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and climate change.
DCEF is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy & Industry, Mr. Faisal Al-Suwaidi, President of Research and Development at Qatar Foundation and Mrs. Sara Ortwein, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company. Taking place over the next three days, DCEF is organised jointly by Qatar Foundation, Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil Qatar, with Qatargas and Shell providing strategic sponsorship and Qatar Airways being the official airline carrier.
DCEF provides a platform for experts to have open discussions on the four topical areas of energy efficiency, solar energy, Carbon Capture and Storage and climate change. Within each topic, around forty specialists will hold discussions reviewing state of the art scientific research and development; policies and regulation; and practical industrial applications on the above topics in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016.
His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, the Minister of Energy & Industry said the Forum reflects Qatar’s responsibility, recognition and contribution towards addressing the challenges of energy and greenhouse gases facing our planet.
In a keynote speech opening of the Forum, Dr. Al-Sada said Qatar has already identified the road ahead for its contribution by adopting and implementing the Qatar National Vision 2030, which was guided and launched by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar.
The Minister of Energy & Industry called for “a combined and collaborative effort by all concerned to forge essential partnerships on various levels to seek crucial carbon mitigation technological solutions, and to encourage investments in energy efficiency solutions in buildings, industry and transport.”
His Excellency Dr. Al-Sada stressed the need for adaptation, which he said “is an important part of meeting the challenges of climate change, along with mitigation and development.”
The Forum was also addressed by Dr Thomas Zacharia, Vice-President of Research and Development at Qatar Foundation and Mrs Sara Ortwein, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company.
DCEF will confirm Qatar’s position as a centre of innovation and leadership in addressing opportunities in energy efficiency, solar energy and CCS as ways to mitigate greenhouse gases. The subject-matter and aims of the Forum are firmly in line with the Environmental Development Pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and all DCEF discussions will be steered towards what is most relevant and appropriate course of action for the State of Qatar and the wider region.
Mr. Faisal Al-Suwaidi, President of Research and Development at Qatar Foundation said:
“The Doha Carbon and Energy Forum is well aligned with the Qatar National Research Strategy. In fact, the strategy goals and objectives capture all four of the Forum themes. As such, I believe that there is both mutual interest and benefit for the research community, industry, and policy makers to think and work together to successfully address this country’s vital carbon and energy needs, and ultimately make a difference.”
Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Saif Al Naimi, DCEF Steering Committee Chair and Director of HSE Regulations & Enforcement Directorate at Qatar Petroleum said:
“This year’s DCEF provides a platform for thought leaders from the worlds of academia and the energy industry to come together to explore practical ways to advance research and development, policy frameworks and industrial applications to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.”
Mrs. Sara Ortwein, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company said:
Through this forum, the State of Qatar is demonstrating its commitment to responsible development as a path to meeting growing global energy demand in a safe, reliable and sustainable manner. We have an immense responsibility to deliver the energy the world needs. The energy we provide is a crucial step to a better life. But we must deliver that energy safely, responsibly and efficiently.
DCEF will conclude on Wednesday 13 November by identifying innovative technologies, industrial applications and regulatory frameworks that are considered to be the most effective and relevant methods of meeting greenhouse gas challenges in Qatar and the Gulf. DCEF will also establish a framework to ensure the work and discussions of the Forum are sustained for the long term.
