The annual Qafco – Texas A&M University at Qatar Conference 2017 held last week focused on the interconnection of food, energy and water.
As the demand for fresh water, food and energy increases with population growth, economic and technological development, and climate change, this nexus will become even more critical for areas such as Qatar where fresh water is scarce and oil and gas revenues must be consumed to generate energy for seawater desalination, it was pointed out.
“The event, a melting pot of ideas, helped the youth gain a better understanding of issues and provide sustainable solutions,” said Humoud al-Mannai, chief technical officer, Qafco.
He explained that industries like Qafco have a crucial role to play in providing a helping hand to the farmers to help feed the world. “Investments in research and technologies, as well as forums for knowledge sharing like this one, can be a big boost to these efforts.”
Sixteen experts from around the world addressed the synergies and trade-offs between water and energy use and food during the one-day conference, which aimed to help ensure water, energy and food security for future generations.
The conference featured an impressive technical programme, and sessions showcased opinions and research from some of the world’s most respected names in the field, including Dr Michael Ladisch, professor at Purdue University (US). The event also provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and opportunities for future collaborations.
Dr César O. Malavé, dean of Tamuq, expressed pride in partnering with industry collaborators such as Qafco to help realise sustainable solutions to real-world issues and to encourage the exchange of knowledge, ideas and expertise that is essential to fuel innovation and new thinking.
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