Nov 26, 2010 (PRN): Solar energy has the potential to account for 11% of global electricity generation by 2050, and governments, businesses and consumers all have a role to play, according to Arnaud Chaperon, Vice President of Electricity and Renewable Energies for Total - a key participant at the World Future Energy Summit 2011 in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting ahead of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January 2011, Mr Chaperon said, "The International Energy Agency forecasts that solar energy will account for 11% of global electricity generation in 2050 . This scenario is based on average annual growth of nearly 20% in the coming decades."

"Governments, consumers and business all have a role to play in the growth of the solar industry. Governments will have to implement policies to support solar energy; consumers need to actively choose solar energy; and businesses must develop the necessary technology and make the necessary investments. So the challenge is enormous but it is encouraging to see places like Abu Dhabi taking a very proactive approach to renewable energies with the launch of the Masdar initiative and the hosting of internationally important events such as the World Future Energy Summit, both of which we are proud to be actively involved with", he explained.

This is of great significance for the MENA region, which, according to a recent survey by Booz & Co, has the potential to offer 45 per cent of the world's total renewable energy generation based on measurement of existing generation capacity.

These issues and more will be the topics for a panel discussion entitled, 'New Innovations in Solar Technology', that will be taking place at WFES 2011. Speakers from leading companies in the solar industry including AREVA Solar, Abengoa Solar and Sener will examine the ever-increasing advances being made in solar technology, including the state-of-the-art in crystalline Si, thin film and high-efficiency concentrated solar, as well as solar thermal technology, and how these advances are translating into lower costs and increased reliability.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and hosted by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi based Mubadala company focused on developing commercially scalable sustainable energy solutions, the World Future Energy Summit is a unique business platform aiding the global development and commercialisation of renewable energy solutions.

To read the full interview with Arnaud Chaperon, please visit the WFES 2011 website at: http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com/en/media-centre/interviews.aspx

About World Future Energy Summit

World Future Energy Summit "WFES" was inaugurated in January 2008. It has evolved as the world's foremost and must-attend annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. In 2010 WFES uniquely brought together over 24,790 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today's energy security and climate change challenges.

WFES promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. It represents an unrivalled business platform bringing together project owners and solution providers with investors and buyers from both the public and private sectors.

The summit provides a unique opportunity for international policy makers, thought leaders and renewable energy experts to address the challenges of providing safe, secure and sustainable energy. The event will run from 17-20 January 2011 and comprises the four day conference, alongside two exhibitions - a World Future Energy Exhibition and World Future Environment Exhibition.

This year's conference will feature enlightening forums and senior industry experts speaking on four key themes, one on each day: Policy, Business, Technology and Finance. Topics to be discussed at these forums include international policy, financing future energy, solar, green cities, sustainable buildings, wind, biofuels, e-mobility, energy storage, hydrogen, strategy, carbon capture and storage, smart grids & super grids and nuclear energy.

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world's leading events organiser, with over 470 events in 37 countries. In 2008 Reed brought together over seven million industry professionals from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organised by 38 fully staffed offices.

Reed organises a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses and meetings. Its portfolio of over 470 events serves 44 industry sectors, including: Aerospace & aviation, automobiles, broadcasting, building & construction, electronics, energy, oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing, environment, food service & hospitality, gifts, healthcare, interior design, IT & telecoms, jewellery, life science & pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical education, printing & graphics, property & real estate, security & safety, sports & recreation, travel.

Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations and government departments Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.

Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and world-leading publisher and information provider. In 2007, Reed Elsevier made an adjusted profit before taxation of £998 million on turnover of £4,584 million.

For more information on WFES 2011 please visit http://www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

International Energy Agency, Solar PV Energy Technology Roadmap 2010:

http://www.iea.org/papers/2010/pv_roadmap.pdf

Booz & Company, ‘A New Source of Power’, 14 March 2010:

http://www.booz.com/media/file/A_New_Source_of_Power-FINAL.pdf

International Energy Agency, Solar PV Energy Technology Roadmap 2010:

http://www.iea.org/papers/2010/pv_roadmap.pdf

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