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Sharjah Fair To Showcase Innovative Clean Tech, Boost Green Economy Drive |
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Three day Green Middle East begins at Expo Centre SharjahThe UAE has been quick in embracing clean technology, with its investments expected to tally up to US$ 2.74 trillion by 2020 and the country launching a nine-year initiative to develop a green economy. Through multiple programmes, the UAE is aiming to become a global pioneer in green economy, a hub for exporting and re-exporting green products and technologies, and maintaining a sustainable environment that supports long-term economic growth. Bringing the focus on the country’s green initiatives and the opportunities it has in store, the second Green Middle East environmental management and technology exhibition and conference got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah on Monday, October 15. The show, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Supreme Council Member, was opened by Mr. Salim Al Owais, Chairman of Bee’ah, accompanied by Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, Assistant Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Environment and Water. It will run until Wednesday, October 17. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa - Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr. Khalid Al Huraimel, CEO of Bee’ah, – The Sharjah Environment Co. officials of various government departments, and members of trade associations. "The green technology industry is driven by factors such as urbanization, globalization, scarcity of resources and the challenges arising out of climate change, ensuring a transformation towards a sustainable economy in which the green industry and other sectors work together for mutual benefit. The growing use of green technology in conventional industries also promotes the development of new and refinement of existing green technology, giving strategic benefits to the economy," said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa. The worldwide market for green technology has grown by 12 per cent a year on average since 2007, and is now worth over US$ 3 trillion. By 2025, it will be more than double to US$ 6 trillion. Worldwide, investment in clean energy jumped 30 per cent to US$ 243 billion in 2011, up from US$ 186 billion in 2010. In renewable energy alone, countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) invested US$ 94.4 billion in 2010. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, new investment in renewable energy for the Middle East and Africa region in 2010 grew 104 per cent to US$ 5 billion. "The need for investments and innovations in alternative or renewable energy, recycling and environmental technology is stressed by the precarious situation we are in... we are living in a region where several resources are scarce, and water, energy usage and waste generation are several folds higher than the international average," said Ms. Lilian Segundo, Director Sales, Expo Centre Sharjah. The UAE will be in need of green investment worth US$ 20 billion in the next seven years, given that the country’s per capita footprint is four times higher than the global average. The Middle East currently uses 225 per cent more energy than Europe and is a high-volume producer of waste, while waste water has emerged as one of the biggest environment issues here. And, carbon emissions in the Middle East and North Africa have doubled in the past 30 years. In a sign of prospects that are in store for the industry, Dubai recently launched a US$3.25 billion, 48 square kilometre Solar Power Park that will produce 1,000 megawatts of power when completed. Another big-ticket deal was that of US$ 5 billion plan to build concentrated solar power plants in the Middle East, Spain and the US by Torresol Energy, a joint venture between Spain’s Sener and Abu Dhabi’s Masdar. Stealing the global ’green’ spotlight for three days, the Green Middle East is showcasing technological innovations that can bring significant changes to the environment landscape of the region. "For its second edition, Green Middle East will be able to give policy makers and professionals in the field a clear idea of ways to green our world by saving energy, reduce pollution, recycle more and build green structures and eco-friendly businesses," said Mr. Naveen Fernandes, Asst. Group Project Manager, Expo Centre Sharjah. The show, held in association with the region’s integrated environment and waste management company Bee’ah, is showcasing clean technology and innovative products & services across the environment spectrum like solid waste, waste water, air pollution, scrap recycling, alternative energy & green buildings. It will be a must-visit event for industry as it addresses the multiple environment-related buying needs of visiting buyers, from solid-waste segregation system to grey-water treatment plant, and solar street lighting to balers & odour control. The second day of the show will witness the announcement and presentation of the first Green Middle East Awards for Environmental Excellence, which will recognise Middle East’s establishments for successfully developing and introducing technology and innovation. The show is also featuring knowledge-sharing platforms through the Technical Seminars and the interactive Forum for Environmental Change. It will be open from 10am to 6pm for trade visitors only. |
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