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Today, the President of Germany Christian Wulff visited Masdar to experience firsthand the strategic long-term commitment Abu Dhabi is making to accelerate the development, adoption and deployment of clean technology and renewable energy. His visit underscores the growing cooperation between the two nations and affirms the global recognition Masdar is receiving among the world’s energy elite.
The President was received by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, and provided with a comprehensive presentation of Masdar’s innovative approach to developing scalable and commercially viable clean technologies and renewable energy. The briefing covered all aspects of the value chain in the renewable energy sector including education; research and development; investment in clean technology; renewable energy power generation, carbon capture and storage, as well as sustainable and urban developments.
In an impromptu speech, the President commended the vision of the UAE leadership to combine sustainable growth with climate protection and encouraged German companies to find ways to collaborate and partner with Masdar. Using Siemens as an example, President Wulff said: “German companies and academic institutions should look for ways to collaborate with Masdar. The long-term strategic partnership with Siemens is an example of how cooperation between our nations can be successful. Similarly, academic institutions should find ways to partner with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology on innovative research and development projects.”
The President applauded Masdar’s bold strides and its successes in promoting the development, deployment and adoption of renewable energy, both internationally and locally. He also stressed the important role Masdar is playing in strengthening ties and building bridges between the two nations.
“Germany has played a major role in redefining the energy industry, helping pave the way for renewable energy around the world,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. “It’s a great honor to host President Wulff and his delegation, as both our nations see the energy sector as an area for strategic investment and economic development.
“The visit by the President follows German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel’s visit to Masdar in May of last year,” added Dr. Al Jaber. “The UAE and Germany have similar visions for a clean energy future, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship.
“The strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Germany are a testament to the visionary leadership of the UAE,” said Dr. Al Jaber. “Our far-reaching leadership has established solid bonds with leading nations, like Germany, and is a driving force behind the UAE’s growing reputation as a hub for collaboration and innovation in clean technology and renewable energy.”
Accompanied by a German delegation, President Wulff toured Masdar City and the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology, one of the greenest campuses in the world. The group visited the iconic wind tower, which stands tall to capture and funnel down the prevailing winds, keeping the students cool during the summer months. The wind tower represents the spirit of innovation at Masdar, as it infuses new technology into an ancient Arabic structure. Originally called a “barjeel,” traditional windtowers were used by Emirati households. Today, it’s a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s heritage and its dedication to clean energy and sustainable development. The President was also briefed on the 10MW solar photovoltaic plant which supplies Masdar with the electricity needed to run its day-to-day operations.
Germany is at the forefront of the renewable energy industry and during the visit, President Wulff and Dr. Al Jaber discussed areas of potential future collaboration.
Germany is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious renewable energy targets. In the first half of 2011 the country produced 20% of its electricity from renewable energy. Germany also recently announced new targets of 35% by 2020 and at least 50 percent by 2030.
The UAE and Germany have multiple collaborative projects including partnerships with Siemens and E.ON. Siemens and Masdar have been working together since 2010 on a long-term strategic partnership, which includes Siemens moving their regional headquarters to Masdar City, accommodating more than 2,000 full-time staff. In addition, Masdar has entered into a joint venture with the German company E.ON. The venture covers carbon capture and storage, as well as equity investment and technical development of projects in emerging markets.
The UAE and Masdar also have ongoing partnerships with German companies including Deutsche Bank, BASF and the Fraunhofer Institute, a leading research institution. Masdar also launched Masdar PV in 2009, in Ichtershausen, Germany, which develops and produces innovative thin-film solar products and solutions. Masdar Capital, the private equity business of Masdar, has also invested in Sulfurcell and SiC Processing, two German-based companies.
“The bond between our countries can also be seen at the World Future Energy Summit, where numerous German companies have been active participants for the past five years,” said Dr. Al Jaber.
The 5th annual World Future Energy Summit, held in Abu Dhabi, brings together political, business, finance, academic and industry leaders from across the world to promote international debate and thought leadership to advance the future of renewable energy and clean technology. The conference runs from the 16-19 January 2012.
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