Key note speakers from QSTec and QGBC at GBCQ members' meet

DOHA, February 04th 2012 - Opportunities in reducing carbon emissions realising the potential of national renewable energy resources, specifically solar energy as per the National Development Strategy 2011-2016, were recently discussed at a members meeting of the German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ), jointly organized with German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK), as well as the annual Diamond sponsor, International Bank of Qatar (IBQ).

Supporting the vision of the Ministry of Energy and Industry to examine the potential of renewable energies, the event held at the new Renaissance Hotel, brought together prominent parties in the sustainable-energy sector, such as Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) and the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), discussing challenges and opportunities in the country.

Moderating through the evening, Mr. Boris van Thiel, Vice Chairman of the Board of GBCQ and Regional Director, Voessing Engineering Co. commented: "Our relationship with the   Qatari business community has been established for several years now. Managed by AHK, our impressive membership base, which represents 150 German companies, is committed to support Qatar's growth and QNV 2030. In this spirit, we are delighted to bring GBCQ together with local thought-leaders such as QSTec and QGBC. "

Leading Qatar's renewable energy sector in manufacturing and supplying solar energy solutions, QSTec was represented by their CFO, Mr. Abdulla Al Mesallam, who presented an introduction to QSTec's landmark polysilicon production plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City, as well as an overview of the next phases of QSTec's activities. Polysilicon is a key component for the manufacturing of solar panels.

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) was founded in 2010 as a joint venture between Qatar Foundation, German SolarWorld AG and the Qatar Development Bank.

Presenting the QGBC's various groundbreaking initiatives and specialist interest-groups, Dr. Alex Amato, Head of the Research and Innovation committee at QGBC gave an overview of sustainability activities led by Chevron that enhance Qatar's future energy mix.

Dr. Amato commented: "Through QGBC's corporate membership, we aim to foster a community of sustainability champions and green awareness. While the country is moving fast to address its carbon-footprint, there is an urgent need to develop technologies that complement the mature oil, and gas sector. Despite the initial investment cost, there are long-term benefits in creating sustainable businesses especially those that exploit Qatar's natural solar assets."

Germany is a recognised leader in the field of renewable energy technology and is keen to support Qatar in its drive towards creating a sustainable future. This capability was recently demonstrated at The Pearl-Qatar, where the world's biggest solar powered boat, the 35-meter MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, was displayed, hosted by QSTec. In 2011, German officials opened the 166-megawatt Senftenberg Solar Power plant in East Germany, which is reportedly the first photovoltaic project to break the 100 megawatt barrier and the largest photovoltaic array in the world.

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About German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar

The German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK) is the official institution authorized by the German Federal Government and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) to represent the interests of German companies and associations in Qatar.

The aim of the German Industry and Commerce Office (www.ahkqatar.com) is to support the market entry of German companies into one of the most dynamic economic regions worldwide by offering development and encouragement of bilateral relationships.

About QGBC

Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) is a non-profit, membership driven organization providing leadership and encouraging collaboration in conducting environmentally sustainable practices for green building design and development in Qatar.

QGBC also aims to support the overall health and sustainability of environment, people, and economic security for generations to come.

The council, supported by Qatar Foundation, was formally established in 2009 by a decree signed by H.H. Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser.

Through QGBC, Qatar joins a network of over 80 different countries that run active national green building councils under the umbrella of the World Green Building Council. 

For further information on QGBC, please contact:
Anand George Zachariah
Account Executive
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
anandgeorge.zachariah@hkstrategies.com
+974 55549858

© Press Release 2012