Abu Dhabi, 1 June 2011 (WAM) -- The Science, Technology, and Environment Programme at the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, in partnership with ExxonMobil and Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (GASCO), announced today the winners of the second round of its major grant competition promoting energy efficiency in the UAE.

The grants are awarded to support UAE-related research, to create local energy efficiency related initiatives, facilitate workshops and conferences that enhance public awareness and to enable Emirati nationals to participate in leading professional conferences on the topic.

The Emirates Foundation's Managing Director, Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, congratulated the winners and thanked ExxonMobil and GASCO for their continued partnership and for their financial support to the Foundation.

He commented that the engagement of researchers and Emirati students in creative and applied solutions to address sustainable energy needs across the country was critical to the nations advancement in this field. He pointed out that the Foundation continued to support young Emiratis, enabling them to contribute positively to the UAE through active projects like the Energy Efficiency grant initiative.

Following a rigorous competitive selection process, funding grants have accordingly been awarded to the following:Dr Abeer Al Janahi, of the British University in Dubai, to fund a public awareness project: "Energy Public Awareness through an interactive user-friendly web based tool"Dr Mohamed Gadalla, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the American University of Sharjah, to fund the research project: "Sustainable Energy Solutions for more Efficient and Environmentally Benign Desalinization Plants" Dr Sarah El Masry, Department of Architectural Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University, to fund the research project: "A Software Prototype for Evaluating Sustainable Building Performance in the UAE, based on Estidama Pearl Rating System"Dr Bassam Abu Hijleh, Sustainable Design of Built Environment Programme, Faculty of Engineering & IT at the British University in Dubai, to fund the research project: "Assessing the energy savings potential of refurbishing existing buildings in the UAE"Dr Riad Saraiji, Department of Architectural Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "Daylight Penetration for Optimal Building Energy Conservation in Side-Lit Office Buildings in UAE"Dr Mohamed Younes, Department of Mechanical Engineering, , United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "Renewable diesel fuels for efficient and clean combustion"Dr Ibrahim Kamel, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "SHEMCS: Smart Home Energy Management and Conservation System"Dr Moshood Fadeyi, Sustainable Design of Built Environment, British University in Dubai, to fund a research project" Pilot study on Energy Consumption, Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality Conditions in UAE Elementary Schools"Dr Abbas Fardoun, Department of Electrical Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund a research project "Wide range Bidirectional converter for Fuel Cell/Photovoltaic Applications"Dr Edgar Small, Civil Engineering and Construction Management, American University in Dubai, to fund a research project entitled "Exploration of Green Construction Systems"Dr Alex Friess, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, to fund a local initiative project entitled "RIT Dubai Residential Energy Assessment Centre"Dr Samir I Abu-Eishah, Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, to fund the research project "Experimental Investigation on the Conversion of Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour into Hydrocarbons"Morten Mauritzen, President of ExxonMobil Affiliates in Abu Dhabi, said the partnership reflected the companys strong commitment to energy efficiency. "Energy efficiency is one of the largest and lowest cost ways to extend energy supplies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," he stressed.

"ExxonMobil is committed to energy efficiency in our global operations, technology research and with our partnerships, including initiatives with community organizations. We are honored to be working with the Emirates Foundation in this crucial area."ExxonMobils US$ 1 million (AED 3.68 million) donation to this project is part of a US$ 5 million (AED 18.4 million) commitment from ExxonMobil to the Emirates Foundation.

Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of GASCO commented: "GASCO, in its role as a socially responsible corporation, is wholly committed to sustainable development across all areas of our business.

"We sponsor, support and participate in a large number of social initiatives and projects in the area of energy conservation, environment enhancement, public awareness building, and education. Our support for the energy efficiency project is an example of our efforts to help preserve our environment."Dr Lamya Faisal, Acting Head of the Emirates Foundations Science, Technology and Environment Programme, added: "It is important to continue supporting the implementation of energy efficiency techniques and practices that help in sustaining the countrys economic growth.

"These grants will facilitate the development of innovative methods for efficient energy consumption, whilst strengthening existing energy reduction efforts and raising public commitment towards sustainable energy." The Foundation has successfully completed two rounds of its Energy Efficiency Competition, supporting hundreds of Emiratis in promoting energy-efficient practices throughout the country. The Foundation has received many proposals submitted for the third round competition for energy efficiency and is currently in the process of evaluating them.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2011.