Agreement Covers Education and Support of Research and Development in Energy and Sustainable Growth

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 6 October, 2012 - Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) today jointly announced they have signed a collaborative agreement to identify proposed education and scientific research, and support development of energy and sustainable technologies.

In the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, Masdar, The agreement was signed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute, and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, and His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director-General, Chairman's Office, ADWEA. The signing ceremony at the ADWEA headquarters was attended by top officials from both organizations including Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, and His Excellency Faris Obaid Al Dhaheri, Business Support Director of ADWEA.

According to the terms of the agreement, Masdar Institute will work closely with various ADWEA affiliates including the National Energy and Water Research Center (NEWRC), ADWEA Academy and ADWEA Scholarship Program. NEWRC plays a key role in ADWEA's efforts to secure environmentally and economically sustainable energy and water for the future of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADWEA and Masdar Institute have agreed to identify opportunities for exchange of scientific and technological information through research collaborations. The agreement will cover sustainable energy, water and environmental issues.

The agreement outlines several areas of potential joint research, including technologies for processing of water, developing the next generation of desalination technology including renewable energy technology; desalination through membranes, including the development of new membranes; advanced and non-traditional water processing technologies; developing current desalination technologies such as heat and membrane, as well as and environmental matters in desalination.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: "In line with the vision of our leadership and from our belief in the importance of collaboration efforts that enhance partnerships, Masdar emphasizes on the intense cooperation in different areas that contribute to driving the growth of renewable energy and sustainable sector. As a research-oriented institution, Masdar Institute's partnership with ADWEA reflects its interests to engage with industry stakeholders and enhance knowledge development in the UAE and Abu Dhabi. Access to live data and information sharing between the two organizations will enable researchers to conduct studies on production and consumption patterns aimed at improving water and energy efficiency. We are confident that ADWEA will play a valuable role in enhancing Masdar Institute's research activities and in our mutual effort to achieve sustainable development."

His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi said: "ADWEA is committed to achieving the long-term objective and vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in creating a knowledge-based economy. Partnerships and collaboration initiatives lay a strong foundation to facilitate this process. We welcome the collaborative agreement between ADWEA and Masdar Institute and believe it will bring overall benefits to the UAE and Abu Dhabi. ADWEA deploys cutting-edge research as the foundation to remain a successful and performance-driven organization. Our programs and initiatives focus on sustainability and plan for growth, whilst ensuring economic and environmental balance. We are confident the collaborative programs and knowledge exchange with Masdar Institute will bring benefit to the community in general."

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh said: "Masdar Institute remains committed to collaborating with industry and government organizations to implement sustainable technologies. The agreement with ADWEA reflects our core principles that emphasize our focus on collaborations for research and innovation in energy, water and environment to bring long-term benefits for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. As directed by the country's leadership, we will continue our efforts to collaborate with public and private organizations to bring sustainable energy technology closer to the community."

Both organizations look to work together to find opportunities for development of short courses and seminars for the benefit of internal and external stakeholders. On its part, ADWEA will identify areas where its respective personnel can offer support and assistance to students on graduate courses at Masdar Institute in their experimental research thesis work.

The agreement will also pave way for the joint offering of educational courses for internal and external stakeholders. Moreover, it will cover potential programs of internships and exchange of personnel. Sharing of facilities is also covered under the agreement.

A joint steering committee comprising representatives from ADWEA and Masdar Institute will be set up to oversee the implementation of the measures agreed under the agreement. 

Founded in 1998, ADWEA works closely with its stakeholders and customers to deliver safe, reliable and cost effective power and water, and researches and develops ways to achieve more efficient power and water production, distribution, and consumption. A key focus for ADWEA is sustainability-planning for growth while creating social, economic, and environmental balance.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

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About ADWEA
The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority supplies water and electricity to a population of more than 1.97 million in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through its subsidiary companies. Established in 1998 to oversee all business related to the formation, development and implementation of Abu Dhabi Government policy related to the sector. ADWEA administers the implementation of privatization in the sector. ADWEA's privatization model has successfully attracted foreign investment for all privatization projects it has completed in a little over a decade. ADWEA has secured and continues to secure Abu Dhabi's water and electricity needs for years to come as Abu Dhabi continues to develop and implement its 2030 Vision.

Please visit our website http://www.adwea.ae/

For more information contact:
Email: Bsd.media@adwea.ae
Phone: +971 2 6943303

About Masdar Institute
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges.

An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.

Masdar Institute offers degrees in:

  • MSc Engineering Systems and Management

  • MSc Computing and Information Science

  • MSc Materials Science and Engineering

  • MSc Mechanical Engineering

  • MSc Water and Environmental Engineering

  • MSc Microsystems Engineering

  • MSc Electrical Power Engineering

  • MSc Chemical Engineering

Please visit our website http://www.masdar.ac.ae/

For more information contact:
Name: Bader Al Zarei
Communications Manager
Public Affairs Department
Email: balzarei@masdar.ac.ae
Phone: +971 02 8109372

© Press Release 2012