Masdar and its educational unit the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology have collaborated to launch the Masdar Solar Hub to expedite the development of solar energy technologies.
The new hub aims to support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to achieve its ambitions for solar energy development and deployment through research and development of solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and thermal energy storage technologies.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s pioneering renewable energy company, and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, announced their plans to launch the Masdar Solar Hub to expedite the development of solar technologies on Wednesday.
The new hub aims to support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to achieve its ambitions for solar energy development and deployment through research and demonstration of cutting-edge solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and thermal energy storage technologies.
“Collaborations are essential for a thriving, innovative ecosystem. This facilitates dialogue between industry leaders and government, and support the development of novel, game-changing technologies,” said Dr Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Masdar.
“The Masdar Solar Hub is expected to become a successful catalyst for solar energy development in Abu Dhabi and across the region while training human resources for Abu Dhabi’s energy sector.”
The aim of the Masdar Solar Hub, the first independent solar testing and R&D facility in the UAE, is to build high-performance testing infrastructure in the region. This would provide the foundation for new product development, cooperation with local and international companies and the creation of new solar companies in Abu Dhabi.
The hub will provide unbiased research, development, testing, evaluation and certification of solar technologies and systems, as well as consulting and information services, leading to the practical and widespread implementation of solar energy solutions across Abu Dhabi.
“The Masdar Solar Hub will enable researchers to engage in significant development and testing to create efficient solar technologies that can operate at maximum capacity in the region’s unfavourable climactic conditions,” said Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute.
FIRST ECO-VILLA
ABU DHABI: Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s urban innovation ecosystem, launched a new concept for sustainable villas that generate enough solar energy to power homes year-round. The eco-villas are designed to accommodate future population growth and meet a growing demand for sustainable family homes.
“With nearly eight million people expected to live in the UAE’s urban centres by 2020, this rising population increases the imperative to design high-quality sustainable homes that use fewer natural resources than existing homes,” said Dr Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Masdar.
“Masdar City has pushed the boundaries of sustainable design since its launch, and now we are taking our knowledge to the next level with this vision of the 21st Century single-family home. The eco-villas are central to the City’s goals to meet the lifestyle needs of a growing urban population, while reducing these buildings’ consumption of water, energy and waste.”
The four-bedroom villa concept includes an array of high-performance solar panels that will generate approximately 40,000 KWh per year. Careful orientation of the home, optimised natural lighting, a high-performance envelope as well as low-energy LED lighting and other design techniques will reduce the home’s annual energy demand to an estimated 39,000 KWh each year, slightly less energy than the panels are expected to generate.
The eco-villa design would divert an estimated 63 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere while reducing demand on the national electrical grid. The homes are expected to use 35 per cent less water than standard villas, thanks to low-flow toilets, faucets and showers, and other innovative water conservation measures.
Masdar City is showcasing its various developments and business and investment opportunities at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). Spokespeople will be on hand to answer questions at stand 6A10, between halls five and six, from April 21-23.
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