The future King of the Netherlands gave a speech at the World Future Energy Summit held in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates on Monday. The speech was part of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander’s visit to the country, along with his wife, Crown Princess Maxima. 
During the speech, the Crown Prince spoke of how the use of oil and gas likely has peaked in terms of their use.
“We are now facing a century of at least four undesirable peaks,” he said.
“Peak Oil, Peak Gas, Peak Coal and Peak Uranium. Mountaineers may be proud to conquer peaks, but there is no reason whatsoever for us to be proud.
“We can however change the course of history. The technologies we need are there.”
Willem-Alexander went on to suggest the use of solar energy to replace oil and gas. He pointed out in the desert city of Abu Dhabi that deserts themselves could be used for solar energy.
“Many regard deserts as a barren and hostile environment. In fact, they are a precious source of life, which we should embrace and protect for the common good. The circle of deserts embracing the globe, presents us with wonderful opportunities for both generating and transmitting solar energy.”
The Crown Prince mentioned the use of “green” greenhouses and vacuum sewage for toilets and other disposal. He even talked about the use of garbage gasification.
“99.8% of the total garbage supply is re-used or converted, producing 80% more biogas than it uses. No water is wasted during the process; on the contrary, water is one of the products.”
Willem-Alexander closed his speech by reminding the audience of how the ancient Romans deforested Europe to use trees for firewood.
“Let’s not end up like the Romans. Instead, let us harvest the infinite energy generated by this majestic star, that rises and sets on us each and every day. Here in Abu Dhabi we can see the challenges ahead of us and set the example.”
Abu Dhabi was where the Crown Prince and his wife ended their tour of the Gulf nations. They spent some time outside of Abu Dhabi in the desert, where they rode a richly decorated camel and learned falconry.
During the end of their trip, the royal couple visited the immense Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Maxima covered herself in a black abaya will inside the Islamic house of worship.
Norway’s future Queen turned five years old today. In celebration, the royal palace released photos and videos taken when Princess Ingrid Alexandra vacationed in Svalbard with her family last summer.
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