Masdar to bring solar power to off-grid communities globally

Abu Dhabi / WAM

Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has positioned itself in the commercial off-grid energy sector by increasing its capacity to rapidly deploy solar kits in off-grid communities around the world.
Building on the company’s extensive experience delivering renewable solutions in remote communities, the Masdar-branded kits named “Noor” – displayed at the Masdar stand throughout Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week – consist of a fully integrated ‘plug and play’ solar energy supply and storage unit. The technology can supply reliable electricity with no adverse environmental impacts, and will be used to power various electrical systems including lighting, fans, refrigerators and televisions.
To date, Masdar’s Energy Services division has successfully installed nearly 28,000 customised solar home systems in Morocco, Afghanistan, Egypt, and the Pacific Islands. Building on more than a decade of experience, Masdar will now be more agile in deploying solar energy solutions worldwide by supplying their own solar home kits where needed.

Bader Al Lamki, Executive Director, Clean Energy of Masdar, said, “Solar home kits have the potential to deliver a radical improvement in the quality of life in rural areas that currently lack modern energy services. Masdar will now be more agile in responding to the needs of our partners and host countries, especially in terms of providing emergency relief, such as energy access in housing developments urgently needed for displaced communities.”
“Masdar is already one of the largest providers of off-grid energy solutions,” added Al Lamki. “Our Noor kits will allow us to further expand our international footprint and strengthen our position as a leading off-grid renewable
energy provider.”
The solar energy storage systems, equipped with high-performance solar batteries, will provide a cost-effective and sustainable source of electrical power.
Masdar has already provided around 20,000 solar home systems to more than 1,000 rural villages in Morocco without access to the national grid, while in Afghanistan, the company installed solar home systems in more than two dozen villages
in the southern Helmand Province, helping to connect more than 3,000 people.

The installations included 545 homes and 55 public buildings, such as schools, mosques and clinics. The systems power basic appliances like refrigerators, televisions, cooling fans and lights.

Masdar has also deployed standalone off-grid solar home systems in rural Egypt. The 7,000 systems, each consisting of solar panels, batteries with up to 48 hours’ storage capacity and lighting units, were provided to homes, mosques, clinics, schools and community centres. Further projects have been undertaken in the Pacific Islands and Colombia.

Abu Dhabi Power Corporation, Mubadala
and Masdar enter into strategic partnership
Abu Dhabi / WAM

Abu Dhabi Power Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Mubadala Investment Company and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, during a signing
ceremony held at ADSW 2019.
The strategic partnership supports the UAE’s efforts to grow the power and water sector, while supporting Abu Dhabi’s long-term sustainable development objectives. Mubadala’s contribution as an experienced investor in utilities illustrates its support to the future development of power and water generation in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership follows the directives of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Abu Dhabi’s Water and Electricity Sector, which held its meeting recently at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.
The strategic partnership includes key projects related to Water Desalination with a production capacity of over 400 million imperial gallons per day, and Renewable Energy over 5GW of electricity in the form of Solar and over 2GW of Conventional Power Generation over the next five years.

The projects are expected to commence tendering during the first half of 2019 by the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC); a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Power Corporation.
Mubadala and Masdar have existing capabilities and expertise in the energy sector. They have numerous local and international assets and facilities in power generation: more than 8 GW in conventional electricity generation and over 4 GW in renewable energy. Masdar’s presence in renewable energy spans more than 25 countries.

Commenting on the new partnership, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, said, “Masdar is pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Power Corporation to help realise the next phase in the development of Abu Dhabi’s power and water sector, including its continued adoption of commercially viable renewable energy.

“This agreement is aimed at leveraging the latest technology and innovation for the efficient delivery of Abu Dhabi’s energy needs. Combining the experience and expertise in conventional power and water solutions of Mubadala with Masdar’s leadership in renewable energy and clean technologies illustrates our shared commitment to the continued modernization of a cost-efficient, technologically-advanced and environmentally-sustainable power and water sector for the benefit of the people of Abu Dhabi.”

Saif Alhajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Power, said, “Abu Dhabi Power Corporation aims to support Abu Dhabi’s pioneering status in the energy sector and its key developmental pillars for a more advanced and sustainable future. The strategic partnership with Mubadala and Masdar will notably support these efforts by benefiting from their wealth of local and international experience and bringing many key sustainable projects to fruition.”

He added, “Through the continual support and guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, we will continue to identify areas of development that can effectively drive future growth and sustainability.”

For his part, Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy, said, “The agreement is an important step towards strengthening the sustainability of traditional and renewable resources and is a testament to the agility of the energy sector in Abu Dhabi and its ability to adapt in line with the vision and strategy of our wise leadership.”

“The agreement will help introduce the business community in the UAE and abroad to the wide range of investment opportunities that the sector presents through increased reliance on new technology, efficiency optimisation and the utilisation of scientific research to diversify energy resources.”

Al Marar added, “The unification of efforts by three leading sector companies is a reflection of integration steps, and we look forward to executing the agreement to achieve desired outcomes through energy security for future generations.”

Khaled Al Qubaisi, CEO of Aerospace, Renewables and ICT at Mubadala, said, “With the UAE’s efforts to ensure the sustainable use of its resources and to diversify its economy, it is critical to ensure that key infrastructure is in place to meet the demands of the Emirates now and in the future. Our strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Power will see us leverage our existing capabilities in delivering major domestic and international utilities projects. In doing so, we can make a difference to a sustainable future through efficient, cost effective and world-class power and water services. Our gratitude goes to the Government for continuing to support innovations that enhance the quality of life for the community and we look forward to working with our partners to realize an ambitious shared vision.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, Saif Alhajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy in addition to other senior representatives from Abu Dhabi Power, Mubadala and Masdar.