On Tuesday, the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012 was organized around the theme of “Business and Policy Forum.” In the morning, participants attended plenary panel discussions by business leaders in sustainable energy and international agencies. In the afternoon, participants attended parallel sessions on wind power, natural gas, energy efficiency, cities, transportation, China, rural development, and capacity building. During an evening reception, the 2011 Zayed Future Energy Prize was awarded to Schneider Electric, Ashok Gadgil, and the Carbon Disclosure Project.

In a keynote address, Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency (IEA), underlined that the global financial crisis and the Fukushima nuclear disaster have affected government energy policies and demoted climate change on the political agenda.

Panelists in the business leaders in future energy plenary session agreed on the need to continue investing in emerging markets, with Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, Suzlon, saying this can transform obstacles into opportunity. Juan Araluce, President, Vestas, and Frank Wouters, Director, Masdar Power, emphasized economies of scale and scalability. Bjørn Haugland, DNV, highlighted investments in research and development as companies transition from renewable pilot projects. Steve Bolze, General Electric, said investments in new technologies will be critical in the longer-term. Mark Carne, Shell, pointed out that 2012 will be the first year that Shell produces more gas than oil. Jim Brown, First Solar, said that supply stacks, including photovoltaics and renewable energy, can insulate the market from price volatility risk. Steve O’Rouke, Sun Edison, said addressing engineering issues is the next challenge for photovoltaic technology. Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President, Schneider Electric, emphasized the need for low cost energy.

During a plenary session on insights from international agencies, Adnan Amin, Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), suggested governments create an environment that encourages private sector investment in renewables. S. Vijay Iyer, World Bank, said governments can justify using renewable energies across numerous sectors, and encouraged applying funds to leverage the private sector. Jim Leape, Director General, WWF International, stressed the importance of renewable energy efficiency and using arguments beyond climate change. Mohammed El-Ashry, Chairman, REN21, emphasized the need for public and private support for innovation to enter the marketplace. Marcel Engel, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, said business needs predictability to scale up. Timothy Wirth, President, United Nations Foundation, suggested complementary approaches for sustainable energy and economic growth, such as efficiency incentives. Carlos Dora, World Health Organization, stressed complementarities in environment, energy, and health, saying people need to understand concrete benefits from change.