Kuwait Society of Engineers, with the sponsorship of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), called and organized the Congress: “Alternative Energy Applications: Option or Necessity?” (EC2009). This event took place in Kuwait from 2 to 6 November, 2009, and also hosted WFEO General Assembly.
The Congress had the support of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, who opened the event together with distinguished authorities of that country; among those present were the Crown Prince, His Highness Nawaf Al-Ahmed, the Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Naser Al-Mohammad, the Kuwaiti Parliament Chairman Jasem Al-Kharafi and other important officials, diplomats and businessmen as well as engineers of 76 countries of the world.
The objectives of this congress were to analyze the latest technological innovations in alternative energy technology and to promote the uses of clean and sustainable energy in the region and in the world.

Among its conclusions, it was pointed out that all available options should be considered to fulfill the demand of energy, including energy efficiency, renewable energies, clean and low-carbon fuels, and nuclear power. Alternative energy is no longer an option but a necessity, whose availability will depend on the resources of each country, its development and possibilities.

Engineers have the necessary knowledge and experience to adapt current technology and systems, particularly taking into account the climate change. Therefore, WFEO urged an active work with governments and with those who make policies to: ensure the access to relevant information about possible options; inform about latent risks and how to better adapt infrastructure so as to avoid the negative effects of climate change; recommend alternatives to mitigate risks and reduce carbon emissions; and to support the promotion of the participation of young and women engineers at all decision levels.