Emirates Solar Energy Industry Association holds first AGM, elects board

Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA) today announced that plans to promote solar power in the UAE are gaining further momentum after it held its first-ever Annual General Meeting and elected an executive board comprising top industry executives for the first time on March 26.

ESIA, a non-profit, non-governmental association, is dedicated to boosting the role of the solar industry in the UAE at a time of rapidly rising energy demand across the Middle East. The association aims to facilitate business opportunities in the sector for its members; expand the use of all solar technologies at national and regional level; offer assistance to international solar companies seeking to set up in the UAE; and publish white-papers and research reports to assist policymakers on matters related to solar policies, standards and product certifications.

Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Midfa’ from Emirates Environmental Group, who was appointed Chairman, commented: "The fact that ESIA held its first AGM and now has an up-and-running board means that we can swing into action swiftly and move forward with expanding the role of the solar industry in this region. We are excited to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this development, which is extremely important for the future of this region, where energy demand will continue to rise for years to come and sustainable alternatives will need to be introduced on a large scale."

The appointees to ESIA’s new board are:

Chairman: Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Midfa’, Emirates Environmental Group

President: Mr. Vahid Fotuhi, BP Solar

Vice-President: Mr. Erik Voldner, Enviromena

Legal Council: Dr. Michael Kraemer, Taylor Wessing

Treasurer: Mr. Kiomars Dabbagh, SCHOTT Middle East

Membership Director: Mr. Karel de Winter, Alsa Solar Systems

Research Director: Dr. Steve Griffiths, Masdar Institute

Marketing and Communications Director : Mr. Adrian Wood, Siemens

www.emiratessolar.com/