Abu Dhabi, January 31st, 2007 (WAM) - Solar technologiesare rapidly becoming a major focus worldwide as a sustainableenergy source: and the Masdar Initiative, Abu Dhabi's landmarkprogram in sustainable energy, is driving the adoption of advancedsolar technologies here in the UAE.
Projects already in active development in Abu Dhabi includeboth photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP),providing Masdar with broad coverage of the solar sector. Masdar's PV projects in development include a world-scalepolysilicon factory in Abu Dhabi, which will provide the feedstockfor additional activities such as PV cell and module manufacturing.Photovoltaics allow the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity- this is one of the most promising technologies in renewableenergy. The global PV industry was estimated at 2 gigawatts(GW) in 2006 and is growing at 30% annually, making it one ofthe most attractive and high-growth international industries.
"By establishing substantial local PV manufacturing capacity,Abu Dhabi is leveraging its financial and human resources effectivelyinto the high-tech, highly-skilled industries of the future",explained Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company,(ADFEC) the entity executing the Masdar Initiative.
Abu Dhabi knows the energy business rather well. It alsoenjoys competitive advantages allowing it to successfully establishthese new industries, while simultaneously diversifying its economyand providing high-quality job opportunities." In addition, Masdar is actively investing into internationalsolar companies, most recently investing in the German thin-filmPV Company Sulfurcell. With regard to concentrating solar power, Masdar is in theprocess of contracting the United Nations Environmental Program(UNEP) to conduct a comprehensive solar energy resource assessmentto evaluate the potential of large-scale CSP projects in AbuDhabi. In tandem, Masdar and with the support of the Abu Dhabi Waterand Electricity Authority (ADWEA) have engaged Fichtner of Germanyto provide technical advisory services and the German AerospaceAgency (DLR) to provide evaluation for the first major solarpower plant to be built in the region. This CSP plant wouldfeed into the national electricity grid and provide opportunitiesfor peak-power "shaving". Al Jaber added: "CSP offers considerable potential for AbuDhabi to become a leader in clean renewable energy, due to theextensive local sunshine conditions as well as the maturity ofthe technology." ADFEC is now developing close relationships with governmentsthat are promoting and developing solar technologies. Theserelationships are helping Masdar to accelerate its learning curveby joining forces with global solar industry leaders. Complementing ADFEC solar projects is the Masdar ResearchNetwork (MRN), which is funding advanced solar research and developmenttogether with six world-class research institutes in North America,Europe and Japan. The research focus includes thin-film photovoltaics,spherical PV, beam-down solar towers and thermal storage forsolar power. The research activities of the MRN are instrumental in Masdar'screation of a R&D culture in Abu Dhabi and in providing unparallelopportunities for talented UAE researchers.
