I am very pleased to invite you to attend the next International Solar Energy Society (ISES) Solar World Congress (SWC) 2017, which takes place in the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 29 October – 2 November, 2017.  A unique feature of this next Congress is that it is being held jointly with the 5th International Conference on Solar Heating and Cooling for Buildings and Industry (SHC 2017).  We are also very pleased that the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology will be the local host of this event.  

As with previous years, SWC 2017 will continue a long tradition of connecting the renewable energy research and academic community with decision makers, financiers, and practitioners. By joining our congress with SHC 2017, there will be a rich opportunity to communicate to decision makers, project developers, and financers the significant technological advances and commercial successes of solar energy technologies, as well as to learn of the needs of these important stakeholders.  Our Congress will focus on the theme of technological advances that are leading us to 100% renewable energy for meeting all of our end-use energy requirements, encompassing the power, heating, and transportation sectors.  SWC 2017 and SHC 2017 will provide the most up-to-date information on renewable energy technology trends and breakthroughs, global and regional policies, and market opportunities. The Congress will feature technical presentations and interactive poster sessions on the latest renewable energy developments.  We will be inviting global experts to give high-level plenary overviews of the renewable energy transformation and keynote addresses from technology experts.  We expect to have a wide variety of workshops, discussion forums, and side events, and of course, networking and social events, to enhance your career development and opportunities.

ISES is committed to achieving the vision of 100% renewable energy for all, used efficiently and wisely. This vision is particularly critical as the world addresses the challenges of mitigating climate change as agreed to in the Paris climate accord signed in 2015.  Nevertheless a transformation of our energy system is already occurring due to the strong public demand and acceptance of creating a carbon-free energy system.  SWC 2017 will address the key ingredients of this transformation: technology innovation, financial opportunities, policy developments, and, most important, community and grass-roots actions that are leading to case studies and best practices that already are leading towards achieving a 100% renewable energy system in cities and regions. Nevertheless, many challenges remain, and SWC 2017 will bring to the forefront a dialogue among diverse experts to discuss and formulate actions to meet these challenges.

Save the date for this exciting event, and follow www.swc2017.org to learn more about abstract deadlines, paper submittal procedures, and the many ways in which you can participate in and benefit from this Congress.

Dr. David Renné, President 
International Solar Energy Society