International Zero Carbon City: Masdar

While in Geneva, some MAUP students had the pleasure to see a presentation about Masdar City. Masdar is envisioned as a Zero Carbon Emission City in Abu Dhabi. It seems very futuristic, but an interesting concept nonetheless. If you are interested in more information please follow the link. There a small summary below. This was also on the first page of the NY Times a few weeks ago. Thoughts? Comments?

http://www.masdar.ae/en/home/index.aspx

Established in April 2006, Masdar (the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is a multi-faceted company advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy solutions and clean technologies. Masdar integrates the full renewable and clean technology lifecycle - from research to commercial deployment – with the aim of creating scalable clean energy solutions. Masdar works with global partners and institutions to integrate new research with proven technologies to produce efficient systems and processes that can be replicated globally.
Masdar builds on Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global energy player, with an aim to develop renewable energy and low-carbon technologies at a global level; whilst contributing toward the UAE’s economic diversification through the development of a knowledge-based clean energy sector in the UAE. It seeks to be a leading renewable energy and clean technology player by providing a test bed for the world to develop commercially viable, sustainable energy solutions.

Masdar consists of three business units and one investment arm:

· Masdar Carbon specialises in developing energy efficiency and clean fossil fuel projects that bring significant reduction in carbon emissions

· Masdar City is a clean technology cluster being developed on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi that will be powered entirely by renewable energy

·Masdar Power builds and invests in utility scale renewable energy power projects

·Masdar Venture Capital manages the Masdar Clean Tech Funds, a series of diversified venture capital investment vehicles focused on building portfolios of direct investments in clean technology and renewable energy

In addition, Masdar is associated with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the world’s first graduate-only academic institution focused on research into alternative energies and sustainable technologies. It is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company.