Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Initiative, today encouraged greater collaboration between the United Kingdom and Masdar to develop an affordable and sustainable energy future for the world during an address to UK government officials, business leaders and leading academics at a seminar on Masdar at Buckingham Palace.
Invited by HRH the Duke of York, Dr. Al Jaber was part of a high profile Masdar delegation, which included HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi, who discussed Abu Dhabi’s strategic economic growth and development plans.
Dr. Al Jaber underscored the growing importance of developing and deploying renewable energy solutions, and the way Masdar is working to make sustainable energy a reality.
"Today, governments and businesses worldwide are - facing a common problem of strain on natural resources and environment," Dr. Al Jaber told seminar attendees. "Energy security, climate change and sustainable development require engaging, aligning and collectively committing to investing in and shaping a better, and more secure future."
"Through Masdar, we want to play a major role in developing solutions that answer present challenges – challenges which are made all the more important due to the limited time we have to solve them" he continued. "We are not simply a renewable energy initiative, our aspirations are far higher. We truly believe that we can make a difference."
Recognizing the wealth of research and development potential in the United Kingdom, Dr Al Jaber also encouraged individuals and businesses in the UK to participate in the Zayed Future Energy Prize, which is currently accepting nominations and submissions from around the world.
His Royal Highness said: "Masdar provides an extraordinary opportunity for British businesses to become involved in one of the world’s most exciting future energy projects. It’s a real pleasure to be able to facilitate this seminar at Buckingham Palace. I hope it’ll provide a springboard from which the UK will be able to take advantage of the commercial and educational opportunities available."
Also speaking at the event were RH John Hutton, MP Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; Lord Browne, managing director of Riverstone Holdings; Lord Foster, chairman of Foster and Partners; Sir John Rose CEO Rolls Royce who all discussed the opportunities for UK companies to engage with Masdar and Abu Dhabi.
Following the seminar, H.E. Al Mubarak and Dr Al Jaber met with her Majesty the Queen and also met with members of the royal family in a private event at the Palace’s garden.
Later, Dr. Sultan met with Members of Parliament in Westminster Parliament. The seminar was an opportunity for UK Parliamentarians to hear how the Abu Dhabi Government had taken the bold step to establish the Masdar Initiative. During the seminar, Dr. Al Jaber discussed the current eco-town agenda in the UK and pledged to share insights from Masdar City.
Masdar is already working closely with a number of UK companies but is aiming to extend its ties in the country and across Europe.
