This is the first time the conference has been held in North Africa and only the second time it has been held on the African continent.
Discussions over the course of 150 presentations in 30 sessions are expected to focus on the latest developments in wind and other renewable energy technologies as well as how wind power can be advanced in the MENA region and worldwide.
"WWEC 2011 sets a platform for all the major players in the field of wind energy technologies, industry leaders, stakeholders, investors, policy-makers and government officials,” said Galal Osman, president of the Egyptian Wind Association, in an interview with the Egyption Gazette.
Osman said that the focus of this year would be on harvesting the abundance of renewable energy in the deserts of this world and thus converting deserts into powerhouses.
Many of the major international companies in the wind energy sector on hand to exhibit their newest technologies and services at the accompanying renewable energy exhibition.
The Arab League, the German Federation Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Egyptian Ministries of Foreign Trade and Industry and of Electricity and Energy are supporting WWEC 2011.
Moreover, support is being provided from the EU through its investment in the Med project, and All EuroMed business associations through the Med Alliance.
Dr. Hassan Younes, Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Energy, thanked WWEA for choosing Egypt as the venue for the conference, describing it as an excellent opportunity to upgrade the commitment of his government for renewables energy.
He underlined the importance of renewable energy for stabilization of energy prices and for a more sustainable energy supply.
Egypt aims at doubling its share of renewable energy in the electricity supply from now 10 percent to 20 percent in the year 2020, also by encouraging local manufacturing of equipment such as wind turbines.
Dr. Mahmoud Isa, Egyptian Minister of Industry and Foreign Trade, pointed the potential contribution of renewable energy to more social justice. He said that his government has especially recognized the importance of private investment and has committed itself to liberalize the electricity market for independent power producers.
For additional information:
10th World Wind Energy Conference & Renewable Energy Exhibition
