World Renewable Energy Congress 2005 kicks off next week
We are at a time of unprecedented interest in renewable energy, and how it can help us to create a better world. There are many reasons for this focus on renewables. These are truly exciting times, and one of the reasons why the World Renewable Congress is being held this year in Aberdeen (WREC2005).
The University of Aberdeen, through the College of Physical Sciences, will be host for this prestigious international event, to be held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) next week (May 22-27, 2005) and members of the media are invited to attend this prestigious event.
From the standpoint of future energy supply to meet demand, in terms of what polluting conventional energy sources are doing to the environment, governments, corporations and individuals have recognised the key role that clean, abundant renewable energy has to play. And, it’s not just about ensuring ever-increasing supplies of energy. It’s also about using energy much more efficiently than we have done in the past, whether to heat homes, for transport, or in manufacturing. These, along with many other topics, will be some of the highlights to come under the spotlight at this global event.
WREC2005 will provide an important focus for our renewable energy research capabilities, technologies, products and ambitions internationally, bringing over 500 delegates from more than 100 different countries to Aberdeen. It will run concurrently with the All-Energy 2005 Conference and Exhibition, highlighting the City’s reputation as a vibrant, dynamic centre of excellence for renewable energy research and development.
“WREC2005 provides an explicit link between renewable energy, the environment and sustainability,” explained Dr Mohammed Imbabi, Senior Lecturer, College of Physical Sciences and Chairman of the WREC2005 Organising Committee. “As such, we feel that ‘Renewable Energy, Technology, Innovation and the Environment’ makes a fitting theme for the Congress. By hosting WREC2005, alongside the All-Energy Conference and Exhibition, we are bringing academics, policy makers, industry representatives and consumers under one roof and stimulating synergy and co-operation between these groups.
“We are looking forward to welcoming WREC delegates from across the UK and from around the world.”
During the event, delegates will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations by leading experts in the renewables field. Technical and plenary sessions, workshops and social events will also form part of the packed Congress programme, which runs over six days (May 22-27).
“While all major renewable energy topics will be covered, the organisers are keen to promote topics that are particularly relevant for Scotland, the UK and Europe,” added Dr Imbabi.
“Renewable energy is clean, abundant energy that is produced naturally and repeatedly from the sun, wind and sea,” he continues. “It also includes energy derived from plants and waste and rational use of energy through efficient, environmentally conscious energy-saving design – the equivalent of energy from nothing. Renewable energy holds the key to halting, and eventually reversing, the environmental and ecological damage to the planet that has been caused by decades of polluting conventional fuels. In other words, renewable energy is sustainable, better for our health and well being and – in the long term – more economical.”
The Scottish Executive has set a target of 18% of electricity generated in Scotland to come from renewables by 2010, and 40% by 2020, to fulfil their commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. At present, around 10% of total annual electricity demand in Scotland comes from renewable sources and most of this is from large hydro projects.
While renewable energy has become an increasingly high-profile topic in recent years, the WREC series of conferences are an established event. Since the first meeting in 1990 the Congress has gained a reputation as the premier scientific forum for the exchange of information in renewable energy.
Professor Albert Rodger, Head of the College of Physical Sciences said: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract this Congress to Aberdeen as we are committed in our support of the renewable energy business. It is a reflection of the level of expertise in the area of renewable energy both from within the University and across the region. This is an area which is important to our research profile, as well as one which contributes to the health and welfare of the region.”
WREC 2005 will be held within a world-class convention venue: the recently refurbished Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).
The event is open to anyone with an interest in renewable energy, the environment and sustainability and registrations are flooding in so don’t miss out! Members of the media are invited to attend free of charge. To book your place at the Congress visit: www.wrec2005aberdeen.co.uk/registration.asp
For further information about the event contact: Victoria Withy, PCO WREC 2005, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, tel: (01224) 330428 or email: WREC2005aberdeen@aecc.co.uk