Doha, Qatar, 29 November 2016:  As part of maximising participations in the third Emirates Energy Award (EEA) 2017 that is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai under the theme ‘Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy’, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) held yesterday (Monday, 28 November 2016) a press conference in Doha to promote the Award among representatives  from the public and private sector companies, colleges, universities and research centres along with members of media.

”The award aims to develop innovative insights and ideal practices to create new methods and ways to achieve sustainable growth. Qatar is renowned for its remarkable expertise in the energy sector in general and renewable energy in particular. Hence, we decided to promote the award so that we encourage companies and individuals to display their projects and facilitate the exchange of expertise in these fields,” said HE Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of DSCE, Vice Chairman of Executive Committee of EEA.

“The award provides an ideal opportunity for individuals, institutions and organisations from the public and private sector involved in areas such as energy efficiency management and alternative energy to participate in highlighting their developed innovations and solutions,” said Al Muhairbi. “We look forward to increase nominations in the award from various sectors from Qatar within its corresponding categories, which will enhance and support the exchange of experiences and ideas among all.”

The press conference was attended by officials from DSCE including Mr. Omar Al Qurashi, Vice Chairman of EEA Marketing and Events and Mr. Naser Al Shaiba, Director of Environment, Health, Safety and Climate Change. In addition, representatives of many companies, institutes and research centres involved in energy research, renewable energy generation, energy conservation technologies and water from various parts of Qatar were present to have thorough understanding on EEA’s details, goals and various categories.

DSCE’s officials gave a presentation about categories of the award as they highlighted its leading role in encouraging innovation and creativity in energy and water areas. Also, they answered inquiries and questions related to the award and its importance through regional participations in supporting ways to create alternative energy solutions and develop current technologies to achieve sustainable development and ensure environmental conservation.

Qatar is renowned for its expertise in the energy sector in general and renewable energy in particular where sustainability represents a fundamental pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar puts an ambitious plan to generate 1.8 gigawatts of solar power by 2020.  “Um Elhol” station is one of the largest desalination and generation plants being built in the region. It is eco-friendly in terms of carbon emissions as well as temperature degree of cycled water. The project is implemented in two major phases to meet the current and future needs of Qatar from electricity and water as first phase that covers water desalination will be completed by the beginning of the second quarter of 2017 with a capacity of 40 million gallons of water per day. The project is expected to reach its full production capacity by the beginning of the third quarter of 2018. Relevantly, Qatar Solar Technologies generate solar energy through the production of 8 thousand tons per year of high-quality Polysilicon to meet the growing global demand for solar energy sources.

EEA has 10 categories which are: Energy Efficiency-Public & Private Sectors (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Energy Efficiency -Private Sector (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Large Energy Project (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Small Energy Project (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Connecting Solar Power to Buildings Project for Large Projects (more than 500 KW) (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Connecting Solar Power to Buildings Project for Small Projects (less than 500 KW) (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Education and Capacity Building  (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Research and Development (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Young Professional Energy Award (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), and Special Recognition Award.