The summit will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center from January 16 to 19.

The WFES 2012 will examine the role of innovation in speeding the adoption and deployment of renewable energy and the importance of maintaining the significant progress that is being made in improving energy efficiency.

Over 26,000 attendees, including 3,000 delegates, 650 exhibiting companies, and 20 national pavilions, are expected to take part in the event.

Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, is hosting the summit.

To ensure that the real challenges in renewable energy and sustainability are discussed, the WFES 2012 program will highlight the impact current economic challenges and reduced government subsidies in many countries may have on future growth in the sector.

Moreover, the event will focus on innovation as the critical factor in mitigating future energy challenges. Innovation is seen as key to making clean energy technologies commercially viable and achieving energy efficiency.

According to the International Energy Agency, more than 50 percent of projected energy demand between 1970 and 2010 was saved through energy efficiency measures. Advanced clean technologies showcased at WFES aim to continue this trend.

Sultan Al-Jaber, managing Director and CEO of Masdar, said Abu Dhabi seeks to build bridges and create a platform for open dialogue through the summit.

“Our work is at a crucial stage — momentum has to be maintained in our endeavor to find solutions to future energy needs. WFES is the place for like-minded countries, companies and individuals to discuss this important topic and to encourage and action innovation,” he said.

Now in its fifth year, the World Future Energy Summit is the world’s foremost annual meeting committed to promoting advancement of future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies by engaging political, business, finance, academic and industry leaders to drive innovation, business and investment opportunities in response to the growing need for sustainable energy.

Established as one of the main events on the global future energy calendar, the summit brings project owners and solution providers together with investors and buyers from across the public and private sectors.

The theme of ‘Powering Sustainable Innovation’ will be the central topic addressed by more than 150 international speakers representing all viewpoints in the energy and sustainability debate.

Alongside the international conference, WFES 2012 hosts a large-scale exhibition with companies from all over the world promoting their latest products and services.

This year, in line with its theme, the summit will include ‘Innovate@WFES’, a new platform targeting startup companies developing clean technologies in solar, wind, water, smart grids, bio-fuels, lighting, transport and energy storage.

Frederic Theux, president of Reed Exhibitions, organizers of WFES, said the summit continues to play a valuable role in engaging the global community in driving innovation, trade and investment opportunities.

He said WFES is a dedicated platform for real debate and the development of ideas and relationships that will enable knowledge sharing and the realization of a sustainable energy future for generations to come.