MENA SC speakers: we look forward to an active contribution that accelerates sustainability regionally and globally

Dubai, UAE, 14 November 2023: The distinguished international scientists, researchers, and specialists speakers in the first Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference (MENA SC) 2023 are looking forward to actively participate in exchanging ideas, insights, and innovative solutions at the conference. MENA SC is the first scientific and technical conference of its kind in the region, specialising in solar energy systems. By showcasing their research and scientific discoveries, the participants emphasised that the conference provides an ideal global platform to enhance the role of innovation, research, and scientific discoveries in creating a positive impact, accelerating the energy transition, and stimulating climate action to reach carbon neutrality.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising MENA SC from 15 to 18 November 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA welcomed the participants and praised their significant role in the journey of anticipating and building a sustainable future for humanity.

“The first edition of MENA SC is gaining great momentum as it takes place a few days before the UAE hosting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), the largest international climate event, at Expo City Dubai in November. The UAE will bring together leaders, officials, decision-makers, researchers, experts, and specialists from around the world. The event supports taking practical and qualitative steps to achieve a flexible and practical transition in the energy sector and increase reliance on clean and renewable energy. MENA SC expands the horizons and success of the Conference. It also consolidates the MENA region’s contributions to achieve the sustainability agenda and global climate ambitions, and increase investments in solar energy and green projects,” said Al Tayer.

“MENA SC 2023 is a historical and significant event. This international conference brings together world researchers, technologists, developers, and decision makers to discuss and plan for a 100% renewable energy future. The focus is on solar photovoltaics (PV)--and we are celebrating this technology surpassing the 1 terawatt (TW) installed power capacity this past year. We expect PV annual TW shipments into the world markets to be reached in the next 3-4 years. There is a huge market for solar in the MENA countries which are blessed with both abundant solar resources and an intellectual resource to guide it to its next levels. PV electricity is real now, but much remains to be accomplished. The IEEE and its Electron Devices Society (EDS) in supporting this major conference have recognised the technology expertise and research leadership of the UAE in bringing clean technology to the region and the world,” said Lawrence L. Kazmerski, Professor and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Emeritus Fellow, University of Colorado Boulder, USA.

"By embracing the power of the sun and integrating the cutting-edge technology of perovskite solar cells, we illuminate a sustainable future for all. Let our collective efforts in solar energy radiate hope and light across the MENA region and globe, paving the way to address energy poverty and a more resilient tomorrow using low-cost US$ 0.15/W and high efficiency 25% perovskite solar cells” said Mohammad. K. Nazeeruddin, Professor and Molecular Engineering Laboratory Director Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland.

“I look forward to presenting at this exciting conference, and to having the opportunity to discuss with and learn from colleagues around the world on the latest developments of renewable energy technology. The developments of renewable energy technology represent one of the most important challenges and opportunities facing the world. I am sure that this conference will contribute significantly to further developments of this field,” said Shanhui Fan, Professor and Senior Fellow, Stanford University, USA.

“The UAE and the Emirate of Dubai are world leaders in the deployment of PV systems. This conference will be attended by top international and MENA scientists and engineers, policy makers, investors and equipment manufacturers. Such a major gathering will present many opportunities and will undoubtedly push the development and further deployment of PV and other solar technologies,” said Mowafak Al Jassim, Principal Scientist and PV Group Manager, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), USA.

“As a former General Chairperson for the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference in 2015 and one of the three co-chairs of the International Advisory Committee for the World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, representing IEEE and North America, I am thrilled to be part of the first MENA SC. The expansion of research and education in photovoltaics, and lowering barriers to the deployment of PV technologies is a global imperative, and the MENA SC represents a huge step in this direction,” said Steven Ringel, Distinguished University Professor and Associate Vice President, Ohio State University, USA.

“Having transited through Dubai on multiple occasions while attending previous annual European PV conferences, I am filled with anticipation as I make a dedicated stop in Dubai this year to participate in the inaugural MENA SC. As a PV scientist, it is a tremendous honour to be part of this pioneering event in the MENA region. Much like Dubai, which connects diverse cities, this conference will serve as a global platform, fostering innovation, research, and scientific discoveries, all with the aim of catalysing a positive impact, expediting the energy transition, and propelling climate action toward carbon neutrality within the MENA region and beyond. I am looking forward to this exceptional forum for the exchange of knowledge, the ignition of collaborative efforts, and the advancement of photovoltaic technologies. Together, we are charting the course towards a sustainable, solar-powered future,” said Xiaojing Hao, Professor and ARC Future Fellow, University of New South Wales, Australia.

Those interested in attending the conference, can register through https://mbrsic.ae/en/mena-sc/ . DEWA provides discounts for groups of 10 people or more, in addition to students and teaching staff from universities and educational institutions.