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A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in Abu Dhabi in April, has stated that close to 80 per cent of the world’s energy supply could be met by renewables by 2050, if backed by the right enabling policies.

The Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (SRREN) summary document highlights the potential of renewable energy and the importance of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to power sustainable development.

The findings, from over 120 researchers, also indicated that the rising penetration of renewable energies could lead to cumulative greenhouse gas savings equivalent to 220 to 560 Gigatonnes of CO2 between 2010 and 2050. This could potentially contribute towards a goal of holding the increase in global temperature below two degrees Celsius.

A global team of technological experts and scientists reviewed over 160 possible future scenarios across six renewable energy technologies, at a working group session.

Commenting on the report, Ramon Pichs, Co-Chair of the Working Group III, said: “The report shows that it is not the availability of the resource, but the public policies that will either expand or constrain renewable energy development over the coming decades. Developing countries have an important stake in this future - this is where most of the 1.4 billion people without access to electricity live, yet also where some of the best conditions exist for renewable energy deployment.”

The SRREN report, which was approved by government representatives from 194 nations, has reviewed the current penetration of six renewable energy technologies and their potential deployment over the coming decades. The six renewable energy technologies reviewed are bio-energy, direct solar energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy and wind energy.

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Ahead of the opening of the World Future Energy Summit earlier this year, the urgency of the renewable energy movement was reiterated by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who said: “Under the visionary leadership and guidance of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the nation is placing a high priority on sustainable development as a key driver in improving the lives and economic stability for future generations.” And world leaders and policy makers echo this sentiment throughout the UAE - and internationally.

President Barack Obama has been touting clean energy in the US, focusing on clean energy creation as the catalyst for both job investment and future economic security. He also said that he will not approve budget cuts to clean energy funding in order to meet his ‘Clean Energy Standard’ of producing 80 per cent of the country’s electricity through alternative means by 2035. The President also wants to see one million electric cars on the road by 2015, and the Department of Energy is working on three ‘Energy Innovation Hubs’ to hopefully speed up R&D across a wide range of projects, including a solar energy grant programme.

In the UK, the government has announced

a competition to establish an Offshore Renewable Energy Technology Centre, part of a £200 million programme announced in late 2010 by Prime Minister David Cameron. Commenting on the initiative, Business Secretary, Vince Cable, said: “In creating an Offshore Renewable Energy technology and innovation centre we are taking the next step to transforming the UK into a low carbon economy.” The Business Secretary also announced that £20 million would be invested into two clean technology funds.

The UK is currently the world leader in offshore wind, but is keen to move into manufacturing in order to speed up deployment, with potential for an estimated 60,000 jobs by 2020 and a £60 million grant under the National Infrastructure Plan. Commitment to reducing carbon emissions

to 80 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050, and impetus for the government to further reduce carbon emissions to 50 per cent of 1990 levels by 2027 is also on the cards. An extra £2 billion has also been allocated to establish the much-mooted Green Investment Bank, which will fund early stage technical development in key areas such as marine renewables.

Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has long been one of the most outspoken advocates for renewable energy fast-tracking, and the dramatic announcement that Germany will shut all its nuclear reactors by 2022 will make it the first major industrialised power to do so. However, this means that the country will have to replace the 22 per cent of its electricity needs covered by nuclear reactors, with another source. Germany is also aiming to reduce greenhouse emissions by 40 per cent in the same time period, and double the amount of renewable energy by 35 per cent. But the country is quietly leading the way in setting world records for renewable energy electricity penetration, installing 7,400 MW of solar PV in 2010 with over 30 per cent penetration. In December 2010 alone, Germans installed more than 1,000 MW of solar PV, which was 50 per cent more than the total solar PV installed in the US that year.

July 2011 - Issue 2

IPCC sets 80% by 2050 goal

The renewables raceActions speak louder than words for some of the world’s most influential government leaders, as rhetoric is replaced by real life renewable energy initiatives

Inside this issue• Developing renewable power on a global scale

• Masdar in pictures

• Next generation motorcars

• On the test bed trail

• Kids Corner

• Being Green

If you have comments and suggestions, we would like to hear from you.

Email us at: themasdartimes@masdar.ae

“President Barack Obama has been touting clean energy in the US, focusing on clean energy creation as the catalyst for both job investment and future economic security.”

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Australia losing its attractiveness The latest Ernst & Young Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices, which ranks 30 countries across a number of disciplines, has seen Australia slip two further places in the rankings for the second time in 12 months. Dropping to 16th spot in the All Renewables Index from a 14th place spot in the February report, Australia wasn’t alone with most countries in the top 20 dropping slightly in scoring in the latest rankings, mostly as a result of reductions in incentives and limited access to capital funding. Ernst & Young attributes the latest drop to a reduction in government spending on renewable energy by AUD$1.8 billion.

World first for new power plant General Electric (GE) has announced that it will supply the technology for the world’s first power plant fuelled by natural gas, wind and solar energy. The 530-megawatt project, to be built by Turkish firm MetCap Energy Investments in Karaman, Turkey, will feature a 22-megawatt GE wind farm, a 50-megawatt eSolar ‘power tower’ solar thermal system, and GE’s new FlexEfficiency turbine technology. GE said the Karaman plant will be 69 per cent efficient, although other combined natural gas-renewable energy projects could reach 70 per cent efficiency. The solar fields in the Karaman project will generate steam that will be fed to the plant’s steam turbine to generate additional power without using more natural gas.

Solar sailor setting recordsThe world’s largest solar-powered boat has made it halfway around the globe after 250 days at sea, reaching Brisbane, Australia and propelled using only the sun’s rays.

The 31-metre-long ‘Turanor’ set sail from Monaco in September 2010 on its quest to become the first fully solar-powered vessel to circumnavigate the world. Skippered by former mountain guide Raphael Domjan, the 60 tonne vessel, which is covered with more than 536 square metres of PV panels, can sail for up to five nights without direct sunlight, supported by reserves stored in the world’s largest rechargeable lithium battery. The US$16 million catamaran has a streamline design but travels at an average speed of just 7.5 knots.

Vestas orders on the upVestas, winner of the 2011 Zayed Future Energy Prize, has secured a 200 MW order for 111 V90-1.8 MW turbines from Enel Green Power in the US.

The turbines will be installed as part of the Caney River wind-energy project in Elk County, Kansas and delivery is scheduled for H2 2011 with commissioning expected in late 2011. The company has also received a 50 MW order from E.ON Climate and Renewables UK for delivery of 25 V80-2.0MW wind turbines to be installed at the Camster wind farm in Scotland. The project is expected to provide electricity for up to 37,000 homes and save more than 75,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Boost for India’s solar PV potentialAstonfield Renewable Resources has entered into a strategic partnership with Grupo T-Solar Global, a Spanish solar power producer with installed generation capacity of 168 MW in Spain and Italy. The first project for the partnership is Astonfield’s 5 MW solar PV project in Osiyan Rajasthan using T-Solar’s latest generation 5.7 m2 a-Si:H thin film modules.

The project will be one of the first utility-scale solar power plants commissioned

under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and is expected to be commissioned by October 2011. Construction is underway and, once operational, it is expected to generate at least 8,500 MW hours per year, enough to power the equivalent of over 13,000 Indian homes.

Boeing funds solar planeSolar flight is taking off under a jointly funded initiative by Boeing and the US Government to develop a solar powered plane. The unmanned SolarEagle, which is being engineered by QinetiQ, in association with a team from Newcastle University in the UK, will be fitted with solar panels and have the ability to remain in the air at an altitude of more than 18 kilometres for five years. A mammoth craft with a wingspan of 120 metres, it will also be the largest aircraft in the world. The team at the Centre for Advanced Electrical Drives at Newcastle University will develop the craft’s engine and take on the challenge of creating an engine that can drive the propellers to lift the plane off the ground, while still being efficient and lightweight as well as being able to fly at 60,000 feet, where temperatures can drop to below minus 60 degrees. The first two protoypes are forecast to be ready for testing towards the end of 2011, with SolarEagle’s first test flight tentatively scheduled for 2014.

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Cleantech industry news

Fast fact

According to the UK’s Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, it is estimated that 170,000 tonnes of Fats, Oils and Grease are emptied into the UK’s sewage system every year.

One litre of used cooking oil - if converted into a biofuel - can generate enough electricity to make 240 cups of tea (i.e. 4.5 kWh)

The importance of renewable energy

World’s largest solar-powered board – ‘ Turanor’

The growth of Masdar has been marked by a series of milestones. We recently celebrated two significant achievements that made us especially proud – our fifth anniversary, and the start of electricity generation at Gemasolar, our innovative solar plant in Spain.

Despite significant changes in the economic landscape since our inception in 2006, Masdar’s comprehensive and progressive approach to the entire value chain of the renewable energy and clean technology sectors remains unique. In fact, it is because we have this holistic view that that we are able to remain committed to our long-term and strategic vision, which has won praise from industry and political leaders around the world.

This is the driving force behind the diverse portfolio of activities delivered by our five integrated units, from education and research to investment and development, and on to demonstration and commercialisation. We seek to build know-how and expertise for the UAE, to develop technology and provide solutions, as well as build and operate facilities that make renewable energy and sustainability a reality.

The breakthrough technology that allows the Gemasolar power plant to generate electricity, even in the hours of darkness, is the perfect example.

UAE nationals have helped realise the project, and it will now provide the first overseas revenues for Abu Dhabi from renewable energy,

But it’s not just our technology-led mandate that sets us apart. At the heart of Masdar is its people; a team focused on sustainability, innovation, technology and strategic partnerships, and responsible for delivering a highly relevant commercial technology portfolio.

There have of, course, been many other achievements over the five years, from the inauguration of Masdar Institute to Masdar City’s growing community of world-leading companies, and Masdar Capital’s technology investment successes with its first CleanTech Fund.

We have come a long way since 2006, and have created a solid and broad platform for Masdar’s future success, with the potential to bring significant and positive change to our stakeholders, community partners and global citizens in years to come.

On behalf of the Masdar community, I trust that you will find this issue of The Masdar Times interesting and thought-provoking reading and, as always, we would be delighted to receive your comments and suggestions for future issues.

Regards

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO and Managing Director

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Masdar newsTheMasdarTimes

Afforestation affirmationMasdar has reiterated its commitment to sustainable forest management and preservation of natural resources as part of its World Environment Day 2011 activities. The company launched an employee awareness programme in support of its strict timber policy as well as highlighting its commitment to afforestation. Masdar City only utilises timber that is certified from a sustainable managed forest where timber is cut at a measured pace to ensure more growth than usage. Certified timber can make a significant contribution to sustainable construction and Masdar is helping to bring certified timber to the UAE by working with local timber merchants. Masdar continues to encourage the use of certified timber by holding workshops promoting the need for FSC certified distributors in the UAE. It has already assisted two companies in obtaining such certification.

EPIC participationMasdar participated in EPIC, the Sustainable Living EXPO, which took place at The Dubai Mall in June 2011 as the sustainable knowledge partner. The first outing for the consumer lifestyle showcase attracted several thousand visitors and featured eight different exhibitor categories, which offered exhibitors a chance to showcase their sustainable products. Richard Reynolds, Manager – Supply Chain, Masdar City, also delivered the Masdar corporate presentation as part of a series of industry expert seminars held during the show. The three-day event gave companies that specialise in sustainable products and services an opportunity to raise awareness of their commitment to a sustainable future.

Curtains up for special screeningAbu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) and Masdar celebrated Earth Day in April with a free public screening of the inspiring, Oscar-nominated documentary Waste Land. Directed by Lucy Walker the film, which played in ADFF 2010, has inspired viewers around the world, winning numerous awards along the way. The film follows Brazilian artist Vik Muniz to a massive dump outside Rio de Janeiro where he creates breathtaking works of art in collaboration with people who collect recyclable materials to make a living. The theme of Waste Land delivers a message that is closely linked to Masdar’s mission of clean, renewable and sustainable technology that preserves the environment.

Masdar City on the mapEtihad Airways has featured Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable cities, as part of its new ‘Essential Abu Dhabi’ online travel guide designed to provide business and leisure travellers with important information regarding the emirate as a destination. Commenting on the announcement, James Hogan, CEO Etihad Airways, said: “We are privileged to feature Masdar City – which represents Abu Dhabi’s vision for a renewable and sustainable future as an essential, ‘can’t miss’ destination. Business and leisure travellers worldwide need to know this important story and we are pleased to facilitate greater awareness of green development upon their arrival in Abu Dhabi.” The campaign features a dedicated website (www.essentialabudhahbi.com) as well as on-board brochures featuring a host of exclusive travel and entertainment offers.

Energy Efficiency Global ForumKey members of the Masdar team addressed a seminar session as part of the recent Energy Efficiency Global Forum, held in Brussels. The panel session, entitled ‘Building Sustainable Communities – Best Practices for Deploying EE in All Facets of Daily Life’ – was discussed by Masdar City’s Afshin Afshari; the Hon. Bruce Oreck, US Ambassador to Finland; Luiz Andrade, University of São Paulo; and Pete Daw, Greater London Authority. Afshari presented Masdar City’s energy efficiency strategy at design and operational stages during a packed session, which included lively question and answer sessions. The audience included representatives from many European and US utilities as well as the US Department of Energy.

Nominations open for ZFEP 2012Zayed Future Energy Prize, the world’s pre-eminent award for innovation and development of solutions for renewable and sustainable energy, has announced that nominations are now open for the 2012 global competition. Submissions will be judged on four main criteria: Impact, Long-Term Vision, Leadership, and Innovation in three major categories, with a new category – the International High School Education Competition - offering a prize purse of US$500,000, to be awarded in 2013. In the last three years, nominations have increased from 204 in 2009, to 959 in 2011, as recognition of the value of the prize continues to grow globally. Past winners have included: Toyota Motor Corporation, for the Prius electric-hybrid vehicle; Vestas,

a Danish manufacturer of wind turbine technology; and a Bangladeshi entrepreneur who brought solar energy technology to two million people in rural communities.

Global win for Masdar CarbonMasdar Carbon has been voted ‘Best Carbon Markets Renewable Energy Project Developers – Middle East 2011’ by World Finance magazine. The bi-monthly international publication held its inaugural awards to recognise those companies pioneering methodologies and making the investments required to achieve significant reduction in carbon output. Commenting on the award, Bader Al Lamki, Associate Director of Masdar Carbon, said: “We are grateful to World Finance for the global acknowledgment that highlights our multiple achievements. This award is a welcome recognition that will spur us on.” World Finance lauded Masdar Carbon’s contribution as a driving force in bringing about practical and pioneering solutions to carbon emissions by engaging all stakeholder levels and, in doing so, creating an environment where real progress is being made. Mandated to drive the adoption of efficient technologies to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels as well as monetise carbon emission reductions, Masdar Carbon continues to lead the UAE carbon capture and storage (CCS) project and successfully implement various CDM projects across the world.

First carbon credits in the GCCA Masdar Carbon clean development mechanism (CDM) project has become the first in the GCC to be issued Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) -- 79,960 CERs to be exact, reflecting the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 79,960 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year from one of Abu Dhabi’s independent power plants. Masdar Carbon managed the project, which uses recovered waste heat to generate additional electricity through low pressure steam generation at the Emirates CMS Power Plant in Taweelah.

Shabiyat Al CartoonMasdar’s small screen sponsorship is heading in a new direction this Ramadan through an animated adventure tie-up with Dubai-based Fanar Production. A newly commissioned series of the Shaabiyat Al Cartoon, which will debut during Ramadan this year, focuses on the lives and traditions of Middle Eastern families and individuals in the emirate of Dubai. Produced by Emirati filmmaker Haider Mohammed, Shaabiat Al Cartoon began as a mobile phone animation seven years ago, before making the transition to television screens across the region in 2006. This humorous and engaging animated series touches on the lives of 24 unique characters – the most popular being Shambee, Afari, Atooga and Bo Mhayeer – each representing different Gulf and Middle Eastern nationalities, with their own unique accent and habits. The series has mushroomed in popularity over the last five years and has attracted an increasingly loyal fan following across the Middle East. It also gained international recognition and generated high levels of interest in other markets, with viewers captivated by the insight into Middle Eastern and Emirati culture. An English language version, with subtitles, is underway with the aim of capturing a truly global audience. Masdar is collaborating with Fanar Production through sponsorship of one of the Ramadan season episodes as part of an ongoing commitment to support homegrown talent and groundbreaking community-led initiatives. Tune in to watch how your favorite characters explore the world of Masdar.

Superbus lands at Masdar CityMasdar City provided the much hyped Dutchmade Superbus with its first ever sip of clean electricity during a recent visit and test drive at the city. The all-electric, 23-seater, six-wheel, 12-door futuristic Superbus combines the speed and service of a fast train with the flexibility, affordability and comfort of a road vehicle. There are no plans to use it in the city, but both sides share a commitment to innovation in the field of cleantech transportation.

Masdar City welcomed Dutchmade Superbus, a groundbreaking innovation in public transport.

Oscar-nominated documentary ‘Waste Land’

Suntech’s 8MW Alamosa, Colorado Project. Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Founder of Suntech was a finalist for the 2010 Zayed Future Energy Prize

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The 100 MW Shams 1, one of the world’s largest CSP projects, has already succeeded in:• Paving the way for future Masdar

renewable energy projects in terms of commercial structure and project finance structure.

• Providing a template for future projects in terms of all its contracts.

• Achieving recognition for the quality of its financing structure, having won both CSP TODAY and PF Magazine ‘deal of the year’ awards.

• Registering an excellent safety record.

• Providing a real opportunity for knowledge transfer.

“This complex research task has broadened my horizons.”

As part of its commitment to developing emerging Emirati talent, Masdar and Siemens have partnered on a programme with the company’s Munich headquarters.

Two Masdar team members – Buthaina Al Mazrui from Strategic Partnerships, and Sara Al Khalufi from Corporate Marketing were recently seconded to Siemens.

Al Khalufi is working in Corporate Communications and Government Affairs, and has been working on the London Urban Sustainability Centre project, which will be launched in 2012. Thrilled to be involved in this major UK initiative, she has been responsible for researching the top cities around the world that have demonstrated initiatives in clean energy, clean mobility, energy efficient building, as well as urban planning and city management. “This complex research task has broadened my horizons in understanding the global struggle with the effects of climate change,” she says.

For Buthaina Al Mazrui, her time with the Corporate Development - Strategic Transformations team has proved to be exciting and challenging. ”I am looking at projects from a bird’s-eye view which is quite interesting given that projects at Masdar are very much focused on renewable energy and more specifically to the UAE,” she comments.

Developing Emirati talent

Buthaina Al Mazrui, Strategic Partnerships during her internship at Siemens.

Sara Al Khalufi, Corporate Marketing, during her internship at Siemens.

In focus

Her area of responsibility has been far-reaching and educational, as she explains: “As renewables is only one part of many at Siemens, I am expected to look at all sectors that make up Siemens, including Infrastructure & Cities, Industry, Healthcare and Energy. With a strong global presence, the scope is much broader, and I am expected to have a certain level of understanding about the regions Siemens is present in.”

For both Masdar team members, the benefits of their placements are significant. “As one of Masdar’s missions is to develop human capital and contribute to building a knowledge based economy, it’s great to see knowledge being shared, and the expertise we gain from Siemens will be brought to Masdar, and to Abu Dhabi,” says Al Khalufi.

“Communicating with our partners and especially with leaders in the global industry is crucial for Masdar to maintain its connections and communication channels in ensuring that knowledge is shared, and innovative practices are performed collectively,” she adds.

Al Mazrui agrees that the opening of a two-way communication channel has been invaluable. “Since working here, I’ve given two corporate presentations and also been to lunch several times with people asking me questions about Masdar. It can be quite difficult to have a good understanding of all Siemens international partnerships, so having the opportunity to explain what Masdar does, and the involvement of Siemens, is what many of them find interesting. Having this link between the two organisations further enhances the partnership.”

Masdar newsTheMasdarTimes

Research roadmap to 25% solar efficiencyMasdar Institute and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), the world’s leading university-research consortium for semiconductors and related technologies, hosted the Forum on Solar-Electrical Energy Systems 2020, which brought solar experts and university researchers from across the globe to Abu Dhabi to identify a research roadmap that will result in cost-effective solar energy systems with 25% efficiency by 2020 – today that level is 14%-15%.

UAE nationals seconded to UKTwo UAE nationals from the Masdar Power team are heading to the UK on secondment to the London Array project, the world’s largest offshore wind farm project. Project Engineer, Naser Al Yammahi, and Senior Electrical Engineer, Mohamed Al Khawaja, will take on new roles at the under-development project situated in the Thames Estuary. The duo will gain hands-on experience in the building and operation phases. Commenting on the announcement, Frank Wouters, Director, Masdar Power, said: “We are confident they will play a significant role in the rapid progress and timely completion of the London Array project. We will continue to assign talented UAE nationals to overseas projects, where we see mutual benefit.” The global secondment programme is part of Masdar’s vision to help make Abu Dhabi the pre-eminent source of renewable energy knowledge, development and implementation.

PV achieves targetsMasdar City’s on-site photovoltaic (PV) plant has achieved performance targets for the first two years of its operation, proving that utility-scale PV plants for the region are viable. The largest PV plant in the MENA region, the 10 MW plant is one of five projects in the UAE registered for carbon credits under the United Nation’s Clean Development Mechanism. Since launch, the plant has saved 24,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of taking 3,300 cars off Abu Dhabi’s roads. Connected to the Abu Dhabi National Grid, it has generated approximately 36,000 MWh of clean energy to date and is a net exporter of energy after supplying internal power to the Masdar Institute. The utility-scale plant has also been a test bed for analysis of the ways different PV technologies respond to the region’s climactic conditions.

Shams 1 already 45% completeThe Shams 1 concentrating solar power project in Madinat Zayed is already 45% complete, with an expected commercial operation date of end 2012. Site levelling was completed in April, while construction of the foundations for the solar collectors is making good progress.

Solar collector installations have already begun on these foundations, while foundations for the turbine, solar steam generator, water and fuel tanks works are almost complete. The majority of solar mirrors and tubes are already onsite, while the steam turbine has been shipped to the site. Engineering activities are now more than 70% complete.

A wide range of Abu Dhabi entities provided a critical level of co-operation necessary to get Shams 1 off the ground and on track for delivery within a relatively short period. This is particularly relevant as the project was implemented at a time when the UAE had no framework in place for renewable energy. Masdar remains extremely grateful to the immense support received from Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company, Regulation & Supervision Bureau, ADNOC, the Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi, Transco and the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company.

10 MW Solar Power Plant at Masdar City

Masdar Power is developing the 100 MW Shams 1 CSP plant in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi

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How does it work?A large field of 2,650 movable mirrors, each measuring 120 square metres, follow the sun and focus the sunlight on a receiver at the top of a 140-metre high central tower.

The receiver, which is made of a special high-tech steel alloy, heats up and passes the heat onto molten salt, which is heated up to 600ºC, and flows into a huge heavily insulated storage tank.

Water passes through a special heat exchanger in the storage tank and turns into steam, which drives a steam turbine generator that generates electricity. In summer, the heat in the tank collected during the day is sufficient to run the steam generator even during the night.

Masdar Power’s mandate is to build and invest in utility scale renewable energy projects both locally and internationally - as part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to develop domestic renewable energy utilities and diversify the economy.

One of the first international clean energy projects to ‘go live’ is located in southern Spain. The Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power plant project is being developed through Torresol Energy, Masdar Power’s 40:60 joint venture with SENER. Commissioning of the 19.9 MW plant was recently completed and it has started generating and supplying electricity to the grid that will, in due course, supply electricity to over 25,000 homes, saving over 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

The decision to enter the Spanish market was a natural fit with Masdar’s own development mandate, as Wouters explains: “Spain is a pioneering country in the support of solar thermal power production. Many of the leading companies in the development and demonstration of this technology are located here.”

There was also ample opportunity for technological innovation, which will have major implications for supply levels moving forward. “The major breakthrough is that we

have built the first commercial scale solar thermal tower with molten salt storage. The solar heat is captured and stored in a large tank filled with molten salt, from which a conventional steam cycle generates the electricity,” says Wouters.

“This enables us to generate electricity 24 hours a day from March through to October. In the wintertime we will still produce

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In focus

Developing renewable power on a global scale Frank Wouters, Director, Masdar Power, talks about Spain’s Gemasolar project and the opportunities and challenges in developing large scale clean technology implementation.

“ The major breakthrough is that we have built the first commercial scale solar thermal tower with molten salt storage.”

Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power Plant, developed by Torresol Energy, a joint venture between Masdar Power and Sener

electricity, but not during the night,” he adds.But the project has not been without

challenges. “Projects like this, which are large in size and new in technology, always have their challenges. The biggest challenge was during the winter of 2010, when a particularly wet season flooded the site and made construction difficult. On the positive side though, the project was constructed on time and within budget, which is no small achievement,” he says.

The benefits of a reciprocal learning curve between the UAE and Spain have also added a further dimension to the joint venture opportunity. “Several Emirati engineers have spent time at Torresol Energy and are presently applying that knowledge to advance solar energy projects in the UAE,” concludes Wouters.

Fast fact

The energy output of a

1 KW solar energy unit

is roughly equivalent

to the burning of 170

pounds of coal and 300

pounds of carbon dioxide

being released into the

atmosphere.

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IRENA: a new agency meeting defining challenges

Masdar is pioneering the use of next generation electric vehicles through a pilot project in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), developer of the i-MiEV vehicle.

Maki Nemoto from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the systems integrator responsible for developing Intelligent Transport Systems’ (ITS) applications for electric vehicles, explains how the cars work.

“i-MiEV is a 100 per cent electrical vehicle and is charged using solar power produced at Masdar City. The vehicle has a regular ignition key, however there are no transmissions.

“The i-MiEV has three different types of gear position and can achieve strong acceleration through a compact and highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates high torque from a low speed. In fact, the i-MiEV delivers more effective acceleration than a conventional car from start to the mid-speed range.”

The vehicles being pilot tested within Masdar City’s boundaries are compact electronic vehicles suitable for city commuter use, according to Nemoto. And MMC is able to customise cars for different customers and environments.

Mitsubishi has been developing electric vehicle potential for over 40 years, switching from lead acid batteries to lithion ion in 1995, with the iMiEV first fabricated in late 2006.

To date, the vehicle has been launched to individual consumers in Japan, with Europe and the US to follow, but here in the Middle

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Next generation motorcars

East it may be some time yet before we swap our conventional cars for the i-MiEV. “Sales of i-MiEV in the Middle East have not yet started, however, we are hoping that our pilot project will lead the introduction of electric vehicles in this region,” says Nemoto.

The harsh climate of the UAE is also a potential challenge to the efficiency of the i-MiEV, but Nemoto only identifies one area of concern. “The major point will be battery consumption, and we are testing this as part of the pilot project.

In focus

Plug and go! Masdar gears up for the future of private transportation with its own pilot electric vehicle project

The creation of the International Renewable Agency (IRENA) has global significance; it shows that the international community is committed to creating a clean, more secure energy industry. This is a strong message of hope that the international community is sending to the people of our endangered planet.

Now permanently headquartered in Abu Dhabi, IRENA is the first truly international agency with universal membership, based in the Middle East. It currently has 149 signatories of its statute, of which 73 have already ratified. IRENA’s mission is to support the transition to a future based primarily on renewable energy, assisting countries to identify, design and implement the best route to that destination.

Founded in 2009, IRENA is a response to three defining challenges of our time: addressing the threat of growing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; achieving energy security to safeguard and drive economic progress; and providing energy access to the millions of energy poor throughout the developing world.

IRENA’s first General Assembly was held in April this year, its first Council was elected, and the agency has adopted its first work programme. It has started working on three main fronts: knowledge management and technology cooperation; policy advice and capacity building; and innovation and technology.

The knowledge and technology programme facilitates an increased role for renewable energy. IRENA is establishing a knowledge base; encouraging regional collaboration; setting up platforms for industry

In focus

Viewpoint: Adnan Amin, IRENA Director General

“i-MiEV is a 100 per cent electrical vehicle and is charged using solar power produced at Masdar City. The vehicle has a regular ignition key, however there are no transmissions.”

i-MiEV FACTS

• Maximum speed: 130 mph

• Maximum range on full charge: 150 kilometres

• Full charging time: Six hours

• Quick charge connection gives 80% power in 20 minutes at designated quick charge stations

• Waterproof battery pack

stakeholders; and encouraging north-south and south-south technology cooperation.

The policy advisory services and capacity building programme encourages an enabling environment for renewables. We are developing an understanding of the enabling conditions so that investments can be leveraged in a sustainable way.

Under the innovation and technology programme, we are creating a framework for technology support, work on cost reduction potentials and the wider use of standards. All of these will accelerate the uptake of renewables.

The focus in 2011 is on Africa and the Pacific Island countries. Access to energy is a crucial theme: In Pacific Island countries the rate of access to electricity ranges from less than 30 per cent to more than 95 per cen. In sub-Saharan Africa the range is between 10 and 70 per cent. Within countries, vast differences can be found between urban and rural areas. Renewables can provide cost-effective solutions in isolated or inaccessible regions.

In Africa, many countries are now experiencing sustained economic growth and are planning the installation of new generating capacity. This creates an opportunity for renewable energy to play an increasing role in the energy mix and helps achieve energy independence and protection from wild fluctuations in energy prices. African leaders have already committed to expanding renewables and IRENA is working to support them.

Apart from hydropower, clean, low carbon, renewable energy has, to date, contributed little to Africa’s energy mix. But, across the

continent, there are massive renewable resources. When developed, these will help improve access to energy, reduce poverty and promote sustainable growth. They will reduce the costs imposed by the import of hydrocarbon fuels and contribute to the fight against global warming.

To coordinate efforts, IRENA is hosting a high level IRENA-African Ministers meeting (July 8-9, 2011) in Abu Dhabi, which will be attended by over 40 African ministers. They will discuss specific implementation challenges facing renewables and identify areas of cooperation where IRENA can offer support and assistance.

The agency will prepare renewable energy readiness reports covering the whole region.

These reports will provide an assessment of renewable resources and potential, existing policies and regulations, and institutional contexts. They will identify the elements that could be built upon to create an effective and efficient policy framework, which can support market development.

The African Ministers’ meeting, which will be followed by a meeting of IRENA’s council on July 10th, will be hosted in Abu Dhabi. IRENA is proud of its permanent home in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has demonstrated global leadership with its commitment to the development of future energy forms and sustainable development and its support to IRENA has been strong and continuous.

(From the right) Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, presiding the historical first General Assembly of IRENA in Abu Dhabi 2011, shaking hands with Mr. Adnan Amin, Director General of IRENA

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s (MMC) i-MiEV electric vehicle in Masdar City

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Masdar in picturesTheMasdarTimes

Masdar Institute Graduation Ceremony, Class of 2011, Emirates Palace

Alan Frost (centre), Director of Masdar City, at the C 3 Forum in London

Richard Reynolds presenting Masdar at EPIC, Dubai

Simon Bräuniger explaining the Masdar City vision to a JETRO Delegation at Masdar City

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, delivering a keynote address during the Masdar Institute 2011 Graduation Ceremony in Emirates Palace

Masdar City Road show in Sweden

Masdar City participating in Citybuild 2011, Abu Dhabi

Professor Robert C. Armstrong, Chevron Professor and former Department Head of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), at the Masdar Institute Campus

HH Sheikh Abdulah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, during Clean Energy Ministerial – Abu Dhabi, 2011

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As part of the ongoing drive to position Masdar as a company that takes a holistic approach to renewable energy and clean technology, Masdar has partnered with Discovery Channel on a new series airing this summer.

Entitled ‘Powering the Future’, the show will premier on both Discovery Channel and Discovery Science across Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, with the first episode airing in Italy on August 1st and repeated on August 7th, 2011.

The series will focus on the ongoing search for viable alternative energy sources and the quest for clean energy. Powering The Future puts energy on the national stage, addressing the challenge from every angle and cutting through the noise by establishing a target: identify a clean, limitless, secure energy supply and address how that energy could possibly be delivered.

The show will travel to more than 30 international locations from an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico and the oil sands of Canada to the Chinese capital Beijing - to meet with the movers and shakers whose work is at the heart of the issue.

Dr M Sanjayan, lead scientist at The Nature Conservancy in the US, will host the four-hour series. A strong corporate message will underpin Masdar’s sponsorship with the Zayed Future Energy Prize also featured through prime commercial advertising spots.

sustainable. It’s important for us to educate people about fair trade and recycling, and the positive impact it has on the environment” she added.

Stallholders were kept on their toes throughout the day with a steady stream of visitors, and for on-site restaurants like Sumo Sushi, it was a positive experience. Commenting on their involvement, a spokesperson said: “As a company, Sumo Sushi & Bento is committed to supporting sustainable and environmentally-friendly projects, especially in the communities that we are a part of, and this was a great opportunity to meet the local community.”

Visitors also had the opportunity to try out the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicles and the driverless electric-powered Personal Rapid Transit pods, with overwhelming interest and demand for both vehicles taking the organisers by surprise.

Susan Tabler, a volunteer with the Philippine Community Fund, a charity that works to eradicate poverty in slum communities, echoed the positive sentiment of other participants. “We loved seeing people walking around with leafy green vegetables from the organic farmers sticking out of their bags, and there was so much on offer. We had an excellent response; people were very interested in the products and asked lots of questions.”

The charity had its own stall selling products made out of recycled materials, including bags made from aluminum ring pulls and pencil cases fashioned from juice pouches.

“There is a lot of pent-up curiosity about Masdar, so holding the market really opened it up to everyone. This is definitely something that people will attend - not just one time - but as part of their regular monthly

The local community turned out en masse in April for The Market@Masdar City, the first in a series of family-focused street fair and organic market events organised by the team at Masdar City.

Attracting over 8,000 visitors and over 30 stallholders, the market featured organic foods and products, spa services, retail and restaurant booths, and hosted a full day of entertainment including magicians, workshops, games, balloonists, handicrafts and face painting.

Sabeena Ahmed of The Little Fair Trade Shop was one of the first people to sign up to participate. “I hadn’t visited Masdar City before and we decided to participate as fair trade and sustainability are core to our mission statement,” she said.

“The majority of products at The Little Fair Trade Shop are naturally recycled and

TheMasdarTimes

Community

Masdar: Powering the future

TUNE INEpisode 1: The Energy Revolution

Host M. Sanjayan looks at cutting edge technologies that could allow us to break our dependence on fossil fuels.

12.50am, 5th August, Discovery Channel 9.30pm, 5th August, Science Channel

Episode 2: The Energy Planet

From an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, Sanjayan looks at how the abundance of the planet’s energy fuels every aspect of life on Earth.

12.50am, August 12th, Discovery Channel; 9.30pm, August 12th, Science Channel,

Episode 3: Striking a Balance

This episode filters out politics and special interests by looking at numbers: How many people will be on the planet by 2050 and how much energy will we need?

12.50am, August 19th, Discovery Channel9.30pm, August 19th, Science Channel

Episode 4: Leading the Charge

Discover the unlikely characters and companies leading the charge in an energy sea change to slash carbon footprints and propel economies.

12.30am, 26th August, Discovery Channel 9.30pm, 26th August, Science Channel

The Market @ Masdar City to become regular calendar event

“The majority of products sold by us at The Little Fair Trade Shop are naturally recycled and sustainable.”

activities,” she added.The Masdar City team was delighted by the

turnout, which exceeded all expectations, and plans are already underway to organise the next The Market@Masdar City event.

For more information on The Market@Masdar City, please contact Sara Al Khalufi on salkhalufi@masdar.ae or 800 Masdar (627327).

Kids Activities Area at The Market@Masdar City

The Market@Masdar City, family-focused street fair

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FeaturesTheMasdarTimes

On the test bed trailThe view across the Masdar City landscape is one of focused industriousness, and this rapidly expanding test bed environment encompasses numerous pilot programmes with sun, water and wind-led initiatives.

PV TESTINGPhotovoltaic (PV) panels from more than 35 global suppliers are currently being tested within Masdar City for their energy yield, efficiency, ambient temperature effects and sand effects. The resultant data is used to select the best PV modules for roof and ground siting, and is also shared with the Abu Dhabi authorities to help in the decision-making process for future sustainable energy provision across the emirate. The results from phase one of testing helped in the selection of the roof-mounted PV panels used in one of the Masdar Institute buidlings.

SOLAR FARMA solar farm, using 87,777 polycrystalline and thin-film modules occupies a 22-hectare site at the outer boundary of Masdar City, and is the largest grid-connected solar plant in the Middle East. The farm provides clean energy to the Masdar Institute campus and Masdar’s temporary on-site offices, as well as ongoing construction activities with the remainder fed into the Abu Dhabi power grid. The farm aims to produce 17,500 MWh of clean electricity annually, offsetting 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of taking 3,300 cars off Abu Dhabi’s roads.

Established in 1997, Abu Dhabi Organic Farms (ADOF) is the first internationally certified organic farm in the UAE, producing 100 per cent organic fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs. It also provides poultry, livestock and dairy products, farmed fish, plus its international award-winning organic honey.

Khaled Butti Al Shamsi is the driving force behind ADOF, and is pulling out all the stops to increase awareness and get consumers to re-address their purchase decisions.

A visible marketing tool in ADOF’s buy local campaign is its retail outlet, Mazaraa. “The shop has been operational for over three years and has been great for awareness. Many farmers have also visited to see the operation, and in turn this allows them to learn and benefit from our techniques. We are always happy to provide them with free assistance and seeds,” says Al Shamsi.

“We have a wide range of customers, but it is mostly Western expats, as they tend to be more aware about organic products. The market is not particularly price sensitive, and our niche is people who are aware of the organic concept,” he adds.

ADOF has also secured distribution deals with several UAE supermarkets, something that Al Shamsi believes is helping to spread the word. “When people are further educated about the organic produce concept, understand that it is locally grown and doesn’t cost more than a non-organic alternative – and is sometimes

Organic - buy local from farm to table

BEAM DOWN PROJECTA joint pilot between the Masdar Institute, Japan’s Cosmo Oil Company and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, this takes conventional Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) design and converts sunlight into electricity in an extremely cost-effective way. Still at the R&D stage, a receiver is placed at the base of a tower with the aim of eliminating the energy loss that comes from pumping the fluid to an elevated receiver. Initial results have shown that the 100 kW tower could generate 75-85 MWh of clean electricity a year, enough to power 10 to 15 homes.

even cheaper – they will be willing to change their shopping habits.”

The idea of organic farming as a sustainable concept has been criticised as simply not feasible by some people, but Al Shamsi disagrees. “Come and visit our farms and see for yourself and calculate against that the fuel used for air cargo to ship imported organic produce.

“Local organic produce is freshly harvested, transported and consumed on the same day. It’s a scientific fact that, after harvesting, fruit and vegetables lose up to 30 per cent of their

nutritional value within 18 hours, so sometimes it is also beneficial to purchase local non-organic produce harvested on the same day, rather than consuming three to four-day old organic produce that has been refrigerated.”

On the back of positive market feedback and the success of the flagship Mazaraa store, ADOF is busy with plans to expand its product line. “We will produce more than 60 different types of fruits, vegetables and perfumed herbs in the months to come,” confirms Al Shamsi.

And with its award-winning honey, growing range of salad ingredients and fresh herbs fast becoming a staple on many local dinner tables, ADOF’s recipe for organic success looks set to continue.

Hanan Shemaili, from Ras Al Khaimah, is one of five UAE nationals in the first batch of Masdar Institute graduates. Armed with an MSc in Computing and Information Science, Hanan specialised in technology forecasting - the process of discovering future trends and patterns in technology development, in particular the identification of emerging technologies. As she prepares to take her next step, entering the corporate world, she reflects on her own personal learning curve.

When did your interest in renewable energy begin and when did you realise this was a potential career path?I never imagined myself doing work in renewable energy. My interest only started while doing my studies here, when I saw how hard everybody was working towards a better life for future generations.

Why did you decide to study at Masdar Institute? For several reasons: it’s an international research school that has a strong collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, and I was looking for a recognised Masters degree programme and the institute was able to offer exactly that here in my home country. Also, Masdar Institute wants to be a pioneer in the field of renewable energy, and the direction in which it is heading is unique.

What have been the challenges of the programme and what do you think has been your biggest achievement to date? Studying in a mixed gender environment was challenging, as I have always been educated in female only schools; but I adapted very quickly and my colleagues are great, and very helpful. Also, the students on the various courses are of the highest caliber and all comes from different academic backgrounds, so students need to put in a lot of effort.

How does living and studying in a test bed environment like Masdar City reinforce the potential of renewable energy initiatives?It wasn’t easy in the beginning to live in this environment, and even now there are some difficulties in adjusting. For example, we don’t control the air-conditioning, and it is set to 24 degrees in the summer! But we understand and appreciate the importance of having such an environment to preserve precious resources and create a sustainable future. As more and more people start to feel the same way, they will be able to let go of some of life’s luxuries – and this includes us.

What is the next step for you? I am planning to work for couple of years, and then I want to do my MBA. A PhD is in my future plans, but not right now.

Has your experience made you an ‘ambassador’ for the future of renewable energy among friends and family?Not really, but I’m trying. This is a new concept in this country, and people need time to digest it. But I believe we will get there very soon.

Inside the Institute

Abu Dhabi Organic Farm at The Market@Masdar City

Night view of the Masdar Institute building at Masdar City

GEOTHERMAL POWERThere’s as much activity below ground as above it, with exploratory drilling taking place to confirm the availability, and capacity, of sufficiently hot, geothermal water to be used in thermal cooling and domestic hot water. Initial results have been promising with two 2,500 metre wells already drilled – one for drawing hot water and the other for reinjection post heat extraction. In the future, the wells have the potential to provide energy to Masdar City with a minimal visible ground footprint.

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TheMasdarTimes

Snapshot

Masdar means many things to many people. A futuristic sustainable city profiled in the world’s press; an R&D hub filled with the brightest young scientific and engineering talent; an investment vehicle supporting groundbreaking technological initiatives. But Masdar’s holistic approach to driving the renewable energy agenda forward is embodied by its five integrated and inter-connected units.

Masdar InstituteAn independent, research-driven graduate institute developed with the ongoing support and co-operation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Masdar Institute is focused on the science and engineering of advanced alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability. A core component within the phased Masdar City development, the institute currently has a 170-strong student body, and aims to eventually accommodate 600-800 Master’s and PhD students and 200 faculty.

Masdar CapitalThe investment fund arm, Masdar Capital currently oversees two active funds that target and support innovative renewable energy and clean technology companies. The fully developed Masdar Clean Technology Fund was launched in 2006, followed by the US$265 million Deutsche Bank Masdar Clean Tech Fund in 2009. Investment opportunities with the strongest potential benefit for the UAE are the goal, with the focus on the clean energy, environmental resources, energy and material efficiency, and environmental services sectors.

Masdar PowerThe developer and operator of renewable power generation projects, Masdar Power is steadily building a portfolio of local and international strategic utility-scale projects. Through direct investments in individual projects, with a focus on concentrating solar power (CSP), photovoltaic (PV) solar energy and wind energy its current portfolio includes the 1,000 MW London Array offshore wind farm in the Thames Estuary; the 100MW Shams 1 CSP plant in Abu Dhabi; and a 30MW wind farm and PV arrays on Sir Bani Yas island and in Al Ain.

Masdar CarbonThe reduction of carbon emissions across a range of managed projects is the Masdar Carbon focus, through the key areas of energy efficiency and waste heat/CO2 recovery, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The monetisation of carbon emission reductions under relevant future carbon trading schemes also adds value to industrial asset owners. Masdar Carbon is venturing into emerging African/Asian countries through a joint venture carbon abatement project partnership, as well as the development of large-scale CCS projects in the UAE capital. Masdar CityOne of the most sustainable cities in the world, the six-square-kilometre Masdar City project is an emerging global clean-technology cluster that is already home to over 70 industry sector-related companies and phase I of the Masdar Institute. Under long-term phased development, its future 40,000-strong population will live and work in a high-density, pedestrian-friendly environment where current and future renewable energy and clean technologies are the norm. It will also house the global headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Renewable energy and emotive art installations aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath, and mammoth wind turbines haven’t won the Turner Prize, but the people behind the Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) are proving that there is beauty in sustainability.

LAGI launched its first global environmental design competition in 2010, with an open call to artists to create eco-friendly sculptures that would also provide energy solutions for three identified sites in the UAE capital. The response was overwhelming, with the winners revealed at the World Future Energy Summit, held in Abu Dhabi in January 2011.

The idea for the Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) was conceived by husband-and-wife team, architect Robert Ferry and artist Elizabeth Monoian who decided to combine their professional experiences into one solution-based social art project.

As sponsor of the 2010 competition, Masdar

The power of five

Siemens synergy

Art meets science

One of the most high profile companies to join Masdar City, Siemens signed a long-term strategic partnership with Masdar in late 2010, to work towards energy efficiency power solutions and carbon reduction initiatives.

Siemens not only brings considerable expertise to Abu Dhabi, and to Masdar, but will also establish its regional headquarters in Masdar City, and has already launched its Center of Excellence (COE) in Building Technologies.

As part of a triumvirate of R&D knowledge, working alongside the Masdar Institute and Masdar City, COE will support joint research and development. In another coup

Siemens Regional HQThe 18,000-square-metre Siemens Middle East Headquarters facilities, phase one of which is scheduled for completion in Q1 2013, will showcase the company’s newest energy efficient technologies and house a staff of almost 2,000 specialists. The facilities will also host the permanent Centre of Excellence for Smart Buildings, the global Oil & Gas HQ - the first ever Siemens business unit to be housed outside of Europe - and a Leadership Development and Conference Centre.

Center of Excellence The Siemens Smart Buildings Center of Excellence formally opened in May 2011. With the collective involvement of Masdar’s ‘living lab’ line-up of world-class experts, technology, tools and other resources, the centre will focus on exploring integration between the grid and electricity consumption, develop a carbon management system to dramatically lower carbon footprint, and identify opportunities for technology commercialisation.

2010 Winners1st place - The Lunar CubitThis series of nine monolithic pyramids examine the nature of time through nightly contemplation of lunar phases and daily transformation of sunlight into electricity. Proportional to the Great Pyramid of Cheops, they are made of glass and amorphous silicon with the appearance of mirror-polished onyx. The use of frameless solar panels dramatically cuts the energy-positive timeline from seven to five years, and can provide energy to power 250 homes.

2nd place – WindstalkA field of 1,203 carbon fibre stalks made up of ceramic electrode-connected disks that move with wind, inspired by a wind-caressed field of wheat. The resultant electrical charge is transferred into generators, and can be linked to the city’s power grid. Designed like a logarithmic sunflower spiral. The top 50 centimetres of the poles are lit up by an LED array that glows and dims depending on wind activity.

3rd place - SolarisInspired by desert contours and executed in the style of Bedouin tents, this canopy of inflatable solar cells covers the landscape and follows the movement of the sun. With the capacity to generate up to 400 times more energy than conventional solar panels it is designed to funnel the dry Shamal wind for cooling, while deflecting the harsh, hot Sharqi summer wind.

for Masdar’s vision for renewable energy sustainability, Siemens has also committed to funding research at the Masdar Institute with the ultimate goal of advancing smart grid and smart building efficiency and improving CCS technology to drive down costs and increasing commercial realisation.

The physical reality of phase one of Masdar City will be supported by Siemens technology through the implementation of an innovative power grid combined with advanced building technologies, rounding out a synergistic relationship designed to reap mutually beneficial long-term results.

has been, and continues to be, a pivotal supporter of LAGI. The top three spots in the 2010 competition were awarded to three distinctly different projects, which Ferry and Monoian hope will become a cost-effective and physical reality on the Abu Dhabi skyline.

“Masdar has been an outstanding partner of the LAGI project every step of the way, since our initial meetings in early 2010. The Masdar team immediately grasped the concept and saw a strong synergy with its aims and the visionary goals that drive Masdar’s multifaceted renewable energy projects,” says Ferry.

“Masdar is building one of the most sustainable cities in the world, and LAGI is helping to create ideas about the world’s first carbon-free public artworks that function to generate power for hundreds or even thousands of homes. Both are engaged with helping to further public awareness about the strong potential for a renewable future,” adds Monoian.

Launch of the Siemens Center of Excellence at Masdar City

1st place - The Lunar Cubit

Fast fact

One wind turbine can produce enough clean electricity to power up to 300 homes.

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TheMasdarTimes

Jargon busterCleantech terminology explained

Carbon neutralWhen carbon emissions are balanced or cancelled out through calculating total carbon emissions, reducing them where possible and purchasing carbon offsets, which supports projects such as wind farms and restoring forests.

Smart gridAn electricity network that uses two-way digital communications to control appliances in consumer homes. Smart grids allow consumers to have choice and flexibility in managing their electrical use while minimising their costs and reducing energy consumption. For example, a user may choose to wash their clothes late at night to offset the increased cost incurred during peak hour usage.

Carbon capture & storage (CCS)The process of capturing carbon emissions from major energy intensive sources such as coal and gas power plants, compressing and storing it underground so it does not enter the atmosphere. CCS is an approach to reduce global warming and climate change caused by carbon emissions.

Did you know?

If you want to find out how to reduce your carbon emissions and how to purchase carbon offsets, go to www.carbonfund.org

Masdar City is currently the testing ground for Siemens’ city-wide smart grid, analysing its potential benefits and challenges right here in Abu Dhabi.

Masdar Carbon is developing a major carbon capture project with oil reservoirs, aimed at significantly lowering Abu Dhabi’s carbon emissions by 2020.

Snapshot

Masdar: Change starts hereSustainability begins at home, and Masdar City is a perfect example of walking the talk before taking the message to the wider community. Over the past 12 months, the team at Masdar has been working on the development and implementation of a highly successful internal education and awareness initiative, with the aim of instilling a culture of sustainability enabling individuals to start and continue to make decisions based on the sustainability of that action.

The START programme, as it is known, has been a resounding internal success, as Dr Nawal Al Hosany, Associate Director Sustainability, explains: “Although there is much being done in the field of sustainability, many people who are not directly involved in this field can often feel helpless and don’t know what they can do to make a difference. START is designed to provide individuals with relevant and easy tips on how to be more sustainable in every aspect of life. The campaign also addresses why these life changes are important including the benefits and how by changing a few things it can all add up to a big difference.”

A portfolio of supporting collateral has been developed including posters, notebooks, pledge books and magnets, all promoting sustainable living, and a major

Rotana rolloutOne of the first companies to sign up with START was Abu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Hotels. Dr Al Hosany conducted an intensive team workshop as part of the hotel group’s annual excutive forum. Attended by over 70 people including 40 hotel general managers from across the Middle East, as well as the most senior members of the corporate executive team, Dr Al Hosany delivered a hard-hitting presentation on sustainability, its impact on the community and discussed Rotana Hotels’ role in managing its global responsibility. The interactive session included exercises to assess need areas within Rotana’s sustainability profile, a presentation on sustainability best practices in hotels, and examples of green hotel initiatives and resultant financial savings.

feature is an interactive micro-site that tracks both office and employee energy consumption. Following the success of this campaign, Masdar has started consulting with other UAE-based companies and government entities to roll out within their own organisations.

“We believe that the START campaign can be part of a movement toward more sustainable practices and we are happy for this to be adapted to suit the requirements of other organisations. We have a dedicated team that are available to review and advise on the development and implementation of external START campaign from concept to activation,” remarks Dr Al Hosany.

Average temperatures will increase by as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the 21st century if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at the current pace

Every year of delay in global efforts to mitigate climate change adds an extra $US 500 billion to the clean energy investment needed by 2030

reduction of CO2 emissions by 2050 will require investment of US$ 316 trillion

To achieve a

Less than 2.5% of the globally available technical potential for renewables is used with more than 97% remaining untapped

Developing countries host more than 50% of current global renewable energy capacity

Only 1% of China’s 560 million city residents breathe air that is considered safe by the European Union

Recycling one tonne of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil, four 100 kilowatts of energy, 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space and 60 pounds of air pollution

“ Changing a few things it can all add up to a big difference.”

Dr. Nawal Al Hosany delivering a presentation on START to Rotana Hotels

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Source: US Energy Information Administration, Q1 2011Top 10 countries that produce the least carbon emissions per capita (tonnes)1. Somalia - 0.09 2. Ethiopia - 0.08 3. Rwanda - 0.07 4. Central African Republic - 0.06 5. Mali - 0.06 6. Uganda - 0.067. Burundi - 0.04 8. Congo (Kinshasa) - 0.04 9. Chad - 0.03 10. Afghanistan - 0.03

Top 10 countries that produce the most carbon emissions per capita (tonnes)1. Gibraltar - 151.96 2. Virgin Islands, U.S. - 13.71 3. Qatar - 79.82 4. Netherlands Antilles - 51.265. Bahrain - 42.68 6. United Arab Emirates - 40.31 7. Trinidad and Tobago - 38.88 8. Singapore - 34.59 9. Kuwait - 31.52 10. Montserrat - 28.73

Fast fact

Every tonne of recycled paper saves 17 trees and 7000 gallons of water.

Being green

Being green

Books

TheMasdarTimes

Kid’s corner

One-Stop Solar ChargingAdd a gentle glow to your summer evenings with a Glow Brick from trendy eco-friendly design company Suck UK. Designed by Alvaro Catalan, glow-in-the-dark pigment is trapped inside a real light bulb, which is then encased in a solid block of acrylic resin. The bulb soaks up all the solar power it can throughout the day and then slowly releases it at night giving off a subtle tranquil glow. Available in green or blue.

AED 120 excluding postage & packingwww.suckuk.com

Plastic: A Toxic Love story by Susan Freinkel

Our daily lives are overwhelmed by the presence of plastic, from bags for our groceries and toothbrushes to pacemakers and construction safety helmets. Could we exist without it, or is our consumerist lifestyle beholden to this incredibly useful, but obvious environmentally harmful material? Plastic has been around for over a century and, as we becomingly increasingly attuned to the importance of preserving the planet, usage is reaching crisis point. In this eye-opening book, journalist Susan Freinkel highlights the fact that we’ve produced as much plastic in the past decade as we did in the entire 20th century. With production and manufacturing of plastic reliant on rapidly depleting fossil fuels, it also leaches harmful chemicals, litters the natural landscape, and destroys marine life. The book is packed with interesting anecdotes and facts and figures, offering a global perspective on the impact plastic has on all our lives and illustrated through eight familiar objects: a comb, soft drink bottle, credit card, Frisbee, IV bag, disposable lighter and grocery bag. Her conclusion? It’s time to end our love affair with plastic, and there is light at the end of the alternatives tunnel.

Available from www.amazon.comAED 65

Got your own favourite green gadget?Drop us a line at themasdartimes@masdar.ae with the details and you could be featured in a future issue.

Quick quizAnswer the following question and be one of 10 lucky winners to receive a Masdar goody bag!

1. What does it mean when food is organic?

a. It is food that is made or grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides

b. It won’t taste very good

c. It was made by someone who plays the organ

Send the answer, along with your name, age and telephone number to: themasdartimes@masdar.ae by July 28th, 2011 for a chance to win.

Go for glow

AED 120

AED 735Colouring Fun

Environmental tips for kids:Use both sides of a piece of paper when writing letters or doing homework. If you only need to use one side, save the paper in a ‘re-use’ box for future use and make your paper last twice as long.

Recharge on the runWith summer travel season about to take off, invest in a handy backpack or shoulder bag that not only has room for all your beach essentials, but also can recharge your iPod or mobile phone at the same time.

This bestselling waterproof bag from Reware has been revamped to make it even more efficient and uses a revolutionary thin, flexible solar charging system. Also includes a large padded compartment for comfortable laptop transport.

AED 735 excluding deliverywww.rewarestore.com

The Masdar Times is a quarterly publication produced by Masdar’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Unit. Email us at: themasdartimes@masdar.ae