HBKU's QEERI to provide technical support on solar PV bus depot project under a new collaboration agreement with Redco international

Doha: Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has signed a Data License and Consulting Service Agreement with Redco International that will support renewable energy solutions for the country’s transportation sector. As part of this agreement, Redco International, the technical bid winners for the design and development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) bus depot in Lusail managed by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), will utilize QEERI’s solar atlas datasets an advisory services for the validation of their technical proposal for the depot’s PV solar system.    

The project aims to support Qatar in achieving its target of having a quarter of the country’s bus fleet electrified by 2022 and will be used during the FIFA World Cup 2022. This project is in line with the commitment of Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications toward providing clean energy solutions for transportation. As per the Ministry’s earlier announcement, the region's largest solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles will be established in Lusail City.

QEERI’s researchers and engineers are involved in various aspects of the project such as reviewing the guidelines, providing recommendations, and verifying the project’s compliance with Tarsheed guidelines and Qatar Standards. QEERI services also include the provision of estimation data on the energy yield based on the site location, installation configuration (tilt, orientation, etc.), and meteorological data – estimating the energy yield using real outdoor measurements, verifying the rating of the PV modules power prior to installation according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, and validating the technology reliability for local conditions.

Other project tasks include performing visual and electroluminescence inspection of PV modules; testing the PV module peak power at standard testing conditions, and testing the PV module peak power at different irradiance and temperature conditions. QEERI will also provide cleaning and maintenance recommendations regarding soiling, and monitor and verify that the appropriate inverters are being used.

Dr. Veronica Bermudez, Senior Research Director, Energy Center, said: “We are thrilled to be working on this project which will help Qatar achieve the required percentage to reduce the rate of carbon emissions caused by traditional buses by 2030, in addition to boosting concerted efforts to preserve environmental sustainability. The expertise of QEERI’s scientists and the state-of-the-art facilities that we have at the Energy Center are a reference point for the region, and will be utilized extensively for this and future projects.”

As part of this agreement, PV modules supplied for the project are being tested in real conditions at QEERI’s Outdoor Test Facility to verify the electrical characteristics of a sample of modules under local climate conditions. The PV modules will also be put through rigorous testing conditions at QEERI’s PV reliability laboratory to simulate accelerate aging and determine and address potential failure causes.

Sajid Aziz, Director of MEP at Redco International, stated that they were eager to start collaborating with QEERI. “Redco considers it a great advantage to have a world-class technical facility such as QEERI’s available locally. It gives the added assurance of having a reliable resource that will go a long way in achieving successful project delivery with the required quality. Both our organizations are working toward the same goal: to support Qatar, and we bring our unique expertise and objectives toward reaching that goal. I am positive that our collaboration will bring excellent results for this project, and in turn for the country.”

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director at QEERI, said: “We consider it our duty to consistently contribute towards supporting Qatar in meeting its objectives in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Through this partnership, we are excited to work with Qatar-based organizations like Redco, to bring tangible solutions that will have a prompt and direct positive impact on the country. QEERI has been committed to supporting Qatar’s move towards green solutions for transportation including contributing to the ‘Green Car’ initiative, and now the bus depot project. We consider it a privilege to work alongside Redco on this very important venture.”

QEERI conducts research across its various centers such as the Energy Center, Water Center, Environment and Sustainability Center, Corrosion Center, Natural and Environmental Hazards Observatory, and Earth Sciences Program to support Qatar in tackling its grand challenges related to energy, water, and the environment.

For more information on the work of Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, please visit www.hbku.edu.qa/en/qeeri 

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About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa 

© Press Release 2021