More than 300 participants from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East joined Dii’s first Annual Conference which took place in October 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. In his opening speech the EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger expressed his support for the work of Dii and outlined the importance of a strong and reliable energy partnership between Europe and Africa.
The audience and presenters at the conference comprised numerous high profile stakeholders. Governments of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt sent delegations which reflects that the support from North Africa and Europe for the mission of Dii is steadily growing.
Private sector companies from around the world interested and active in the field of desert power generation showed their support for Dii. CEOs, decision-makers and professionals from the manufacturing/ generation industry (PV, CSP, wind, water), transmission, energy marketing, construction, investment and services met and exchanged ideas about new business opportunities and creating win-win situations.
Presentations by representatives of international organizations and initiatives (European Parliament, World Bank, European Investment Bank, Arab League, Union of the Mediterranean, MEDGRID) gave fruitful insights about decisive regulatory aspects for desert energy.
