Mahmoud Abbas visits Cityscape Abu Dhabi and hears of carbon neutral, zero waste technologies being developed for $22 billion Masdar City

Palestinian President briefed on green technologies

Mahmoud Abbas visits Cityscape Abu Dhabi and hears of carbon neutral, zero waste technologies being developed for $22 billion Masdar City

Clean, low energy solutions being developed for a world-leading carbon neutral, zero waste city being built in Abu Dhabi could help in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in Palestine, it emerged yesterday (Tuesday 21 April 2009).

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority, was briefed on the green technologies planned for Masdar City during a visit to the Cityscape Abu Dhabi exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The Palestinian leader showed particular interest in the Masdar stand where it was explained that the $22 billion city being built near Abu Dhabi airport, will rely entirely on solar and other renewable energy sources.

Masdar City is expected to take some eight years to complete, providing homes for 40,000 people and 1,500 clean technology companies as well as work for 50,000 commuters. Masdar officials say that while no commitments have been made, similar clean energy technologies could be incorporated in the multi-billion dollar reconstruction of Gaza.

Reconstruction of the war ravaged Gaza Strip was recently described as one of the most complicated challenges faced by humanitarian organisation by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the UAE Red Crescent Authority. He said a safe environment and decent living conditions were needed for 1.5 million people living in Gaza.

“The Palestinian leader’s visit to Cityscape Abu Dhabi today further demonstrates that this event should not be seen as one purely for luxury developments,” said Mark Goodchild, Exhibition Director of Cityscape for organisers IIR Exhibitions. “The technologies being used in building sustainable projects like Masdar City can also help in providing basic necessities to relief the plight of areas such as the Gaza Strip.”

Among other stands at Cityscape Abu Dhabi that the Palestinian leader showed particular interest were Mubadala; the Capital City District project by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council; Al Maabar; the King Hussein bin Talal Development Area in Jordan; Aldar; Lulu Island and Bloom.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi brings together investors, architects, designers, developers, government authorities and key decision makers involved in the design and construction of public and private real estate developments. The show covers more than 40,000 square metres of exhibition space with more than 300 companies from over 30 countries participating.

Running alongside the exhibition is the Real Estate Finance and Investment Conference, featuring more than 100 speakers from the world’s leading finance, investment and real estate companies. The conference will be a forum for in-depth discussion of current market challenges.

Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009 has received widespread backing from industry leaders. Headline sponsor is Mubadala Real Estate and Hospitality; Platinum sponsors are Aldar, Sorouh Real Estate, Al Qudra Real Estate, The Land Real Estate Investment and Development Company, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, and Burooj Properties; Investment sponsor is Abu Dhabi Investment House; Associate sponsor is the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs. Gold sponsor is Tameer and Al Maabar; Silver sponsors are Aqaba Development Corporation and HSBC. The sponsor of the Real Estate Finance and Investment conference is Brand Experience. International Broadcasting Partner is CNN International and regional broadcasting partner is Al Arabiya.

For more details about Cityscape Abu Dhabi, please visit www.cityscapeabudhabi.com

Masdar City, Cityscape Abu Dhabi photos, 20/April/2009

Masdar City, Cityscape Abu Dhabi photos, 20/April/2009








more photos of the Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009 and Masdar City here:

www.dubaiupdate.com

Closing Ceremony , WFES09 , Tony Blair

Closing Ceremony Speeches for WFES09

Your Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Your Highnesses, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen...good afternoon.

I would like to thank all the delegates for attending this year’s World Future Energy Summit…your presence is a testament to the FUTURE of the renewable energy industry…and it truly looks BRIGHT.

Of course I would also like to thank the many supporters and sponsors of the event:

- His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for his patronage
- MASDAR – our host
- Credit Suisse – our principal sponsor
- Our many other sponsors and supporters, including media
- Plus of course, the SPEAKERS, many of whom have travelled around the world to be here with us this week, giving their time and their thought leadership so generously and without fee. For those familiar with the British tabloids and recent reports – that includes Mr. Blair!

It has been a great pleasure to host so many industry leaders and innovators under one roof to exchange their IDEAS and share their KNOWLEDGE.

Together, we have pushed forward the future energy agenda over the last three days. Governments have laid out policies to enable the growth of renewable energies. Private industry has made investments that will accelerate the deployment of critical technologies. And as global citizens we have recognized the importance of innovation, and our collective responsibilities.

(PAUSE)

It has been a successful summit.

- We set ourselves a target of 15,000 attendees – we exceed our target.
- The count at 2pm today was that 16,427 individuals walked through the doors!
- Those individuals are from 95 countries
- We have had 359 exhibitors showcasing their wares…
- .. and 11 country pavilions

Over the past three days, partnerships have been made and agreements have been reached:

- MASDAR signed an agreement with the Seychelles government to develop a wind farm to help power the country.

- MASDAR welcomed General Electric as our first major tenant in Masdar City.

- MASDAR signed an agreement with MIT to join as one of the inaugural founding members of the MIT energy initiative.

- MASDAR are going to be partnering with the Nigerian national petroleum company to develop carbon emissions reduction projects. (WE ARE STILL DETERMINING IF WE ARE GOING TO MENTION THIS)

- Abu Dhabi announced a 7 per cent renewable energy target by 2020.

And, we recognized the innovative and inspiring accomplishments of Mr. Barua, winner of the inaugural Zayed Future Energy Prize. A Prize that I hope will motivate future generations in finding revolutionary ideas and solutions to creating a sustainable future.

Once again, the World Future Energy Summit has proved to be the place where business and solutions are made. Next year, we will increase the summit to a 4 day event and encourage students from around the world to attend.

TOGETHER we will continue the push for a sustainable future.

PAUSE

It now gives me great pleasure to welcome our first address of the closing ceremony;

Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, Governor General of Australia


.....................

Your Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Your Highnesses, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen...good afternoon.

I would like to thank all the delegates for attending this year’s World Future Energy Summit…your presence is a testament to the FUTURE of the renewable energy industry…and it truly looks BRIGHT.

Of course I would also like to thank the many supporters and sponsors of the event:

- His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for his patronage
- MASDAR – our host
- Credit Suisse – our principal sponsor
- Our many other sponsors and supporters, including media
- Plus of course, the SPEAKERS, many of whom have travelled around the world to be here with us this week, giving their time and their thought leadership so generously and without fee. For those familiar with the British tabloids and recent reports – that includes Mr. Blair!

It has been a great pleasure to host so many industry leaders and innovators under one roof to exchange their IDEAS and share their KNOWLEDGE.

Together, we have pushed forward the future energy agenda over the last three days. Governments have laid out policies to enable the growth of renewable energies. Private industry has made investments that will accelerate the deployment of critical technologies. And as global citizens we have recognized the importance of innovation, and our collective responsibilities.

(PAUSE)

It has been a successful summit.

- We set ourselves a target of 15,000 attendees – we exceed our target.
- The count at 2pm today was that 16,427 individuals walked through the doors!
- Those individuals are from 95 countries
- We have had 359 exhibitors showcasing their wares…
- .. and 11 country pavilions

Over the past three days, partnerships have been made and agreements have been reached:

- MASDAR signed an agreement with the Seychelles government to develop a wind farm to help power the country.

- MASDAR welcomed General Electric as our first major tenant in Masdar City.

- MASDAR signed an agreement with MIT to join as one of the inaugural founding members of the MIT energy initiative.

- MASDAR are going to be partnering with the Nigerian national petroleum company to develop carbon emissions reduction projects. (WE ARE STILL DETERMINING IF WE ARE GOING TO MENTION THIS)

- Abu Dhabi announced a 7 per cent renewable energy target by 2020.

And, we recognized the innovative and inspiring accomplishments of Mr. Barua, winner of the inaugural Zayed Future Energy Prize. A Prize that I hope will motivate future generations in finding revolutionary ideas and solutions to creating a sustainable future.

Once again, the World Future Energy Summit has proved to be the place where business and solutions are made. Next year, we will increase the summit to a 4 day event and encourage students from around the world to attend.

TOGETHER we will continue the push for a sustainable future.

PAUSE

It now gives me great pleasure to welcome our first address of the closing ceremony;

Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, Governor General of Australia

MASDAR AND GE ANNOUNCE WORLD’S FIRST ECOMAGINATION CENTRE AT MASDAR CITY

MASDAR AND GE ANNOUNCE WORLD’S FIRST ECOMAGINATION CENTRE AT MASDAR CITY

Strategic partnership aims to advance Research and-Development
of sustainable technologies and solutions

January 20, 2009 – Masdar announced today that GE will be an anchor partner in Masdar City. In a joint Masdar-GE agreement, the two companies outlined plans to house a new Ecomagination Centre, focused on sustainable business solutions and to form a broader R&D relationship that will support the development and deployment of new and innovative technologies. This centre is part of a multi-faceted strategic partnership signed by Mubadala and GE in July 2008.

Masdar City, currently under construction, will be the world’s first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city completely powered by renewable energy. Masdar is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), a wholly owned company of Mubadala Development Company. The City is a reflection of a long term strategic commitment by the government of Abu Dhabi to accelerate the development and deployment of future energy solutions.

Ecomagination is GE’s commitment to conceive and construct pioneering technologies that help customers address their environmental and financial needs. The Ecomagination Centre at Masdar City will support the development of energy efficient products in the region and will raise awareness of energy conservation among the Masdar City community. The Centre will also showcase GE technologies, including wind, solar and other renewable energy products that will power the next generation “smart” electrical grid, water purification technology, and energy-efficient appliances for the home

“This is truly a landmark partnership in the development of Masdar City because it will allow us to jointly develop, deploy, scale and market innovative solutions in renewable energy and sustainability,” said Masdar CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. “We are excited that GE will be an anchor tenant at Masdar City, as we aim to build the world’s Silicon Valley for clean technology.”

“The vision of the leadership of Abu Dhabi and of HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has allowed us to make great advancements in the Masdar Initiative and to attract the world’s greatest partners to join us in achieving our goals,” he added.

The multi-faceted agreement also provides a framework for Masdar and GE to explore areas of R&D collaboration in the development of Clean Tech products. Masdar will be able to leverage GE’s technological expertise with the aim of ultimately including these technologies in the Masdar City development.

“Masdar City, and Abu Dhabi, is the perfect location for GE to establish its first Ecomagination Centre,” said Steve Fludder, Vice President, Ecomagination. “We see enormous opportunities to deploy sustainable technologies in the region, drive new innovation, and harness the region’s great interest and willingness in putting these technologies to work.”

The Ecomagination Centre is expected to be up to 4,000 square meters in size and will be located near the Masdar Institute, Masdar’s graduate-level institution dedicated to academic research and study in the development and deployment of the future of energy.

The Ecomagination Centre is a product of the GE and Mubadala framework agreement, signed in July 2008, on a global partnership encompassing a broad range of initiatives including commercial finance, clean energy research and development, aviation, industry and corporate learning. Building on an already strong relationship and a common view of high growth opportunities in the Middle East and globally, the agreement provides for shared capital commitments to new joint ventures and investment funds. For more information on GE and Mubadala, visit www.ge.com/news/partnership.

Masdar Signs Agreement with Seychelles Government

ABU DHABI AND SEYCHELLES PARTNER TO DEVELOP WIND POWER ON MAHÉ

Masdar Signs Agreement with Seychelles Government

ADU DHABI, January 20, 2009 — Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company, and the Seychelles government announced today a collaborative agreement to develop renewable energy in the Seychelles.
Preliminary studies have indicated that wind energy, solar energy and waste-to-energy options will be able to supply the pristine island of Mahé with clean, renewable power.
Under this collaborative agreement, it is expected that feasibility studies and the required environmental impact assessments will be undertaken to determine the positioning of wind turbines in several locations around Mahé Island. An initial target of 18 megawatts of electricity generated from wind power is envisaged, which could initially supply at least 10-15 percent of
Mahé Island’s total energy demand, offsetting the need for expensive imports of traditional diesel and heavy fuel oil.
“This collaboration is a direct result of our leadership’s mandate of diversifying our renewable energy portfolio through strategic international partnerships,” said Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. “This wind power project reflects the commitment to sustainability by both the Abu Dhabi and Seychelles governments.”
“Wind power is a viable, clean and renewable energy resource that must be harnessed to reduce our dependence on imported fuel and ensure the preservation of the Seychelles’ stunning natural beauty for future generations,” said James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles. “We have been working closely with Masdar for several months to
identify the most effective renewable energy solution for our island nation with the least environmental and visual impact.”
Emission reductions resulting from the project will be monetized under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) framework of the Kyoto Protocol as Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits.


About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable and alternative energy technologies and solutions. Masdar is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), and is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company. For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit [url]www.masdaruae.com[/url].
High-resolution images of Masdar City and the 2009 World Future Energy Summit are available at [url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/masdar/[/url].

Masdar City,WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT 2009, ABU DHABI

Masdar City,WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT 2009, ABU DHABI

Masdar City,Abu Dhabi , site visit , 18/January/2009

Masdar City,Abu Dhabi , site visit , 18/January/2009

Dubai constructions update by Imre Solt: Masdar City,Abu Dhabi , site visit , 18/January/2009

Masdar City,Abu Dhabi , site visit , 18/January/2009

Masdar City,WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT 2009, ABU DHABI

MASDAR SET TO CAPITALISE ON INTERNATIONAL

MASDAR SET TO CAPITALISE ON INTERNATIONAL

ADOPTION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Masdar sees opportunities to advance renewable energy solutions in global markets


Abu Dhabi, January 19, 2009 — Masdar chief executive Dr. Sultan Al Jaber announced today that Masdar, a multi-faceted future energy initiative wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company, is well-positioned to capitalize on the “undeniable momentum and long term viability” of renewable energy technology in his keynote speech at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Al Jaber acknowledged the recent global economic downturn in his opening ceremony address, but said that the renewable energy sector continues to grow and pointed to recent global commitments that call for increasing investment and deployment of renewable energy technologies.


The Government of Abu Dhabi has indicated its own commitment to the adoption of renewable energy, and will soon publish a comprehensive energy policy that includes a pledge that by 2020, renewable energy sources will account for at least 7 percent of the Emirate’s total power generation capacity. Masdar estimates this commitment will create a renewable energy market valued at US$6-8 billion in the Emirate, creating business opportunities for local and international companies.

“Masdar will be at the forefront of the research, development and deployment of solutions that will enable governments around the world, including our own, to meet the targets they are setting for the adoption of renewable energy,” said Dr. Al Jaber, speaking at the summit.

In the past 12 months, Masdar has made significant advancements across the full spectrum of renewable energy solutions to help build a renewable energy sector in Abu Dhabi and to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies globally.

· Breaking ground on the development of Masdar City – the world’s first carbon-neutral city

· Building a solar manufacturing plant in Germany, creating green-jobs and technical know-how to transfer to Abu Dhabi

· Enrolling a pre-class of students at the Masdar Institute – the world’s first graduate institution dedicated to future energy solutions

· Investing in leading renewable technologies, forming joint ventures, and R&D partnerships to apply scale and capital to accelerate technology deployment and commercialization


In addition, international evidence of the widespread adoption of renewable energy includes recent commitments by the Governments of Australia and the United States to make significant investments in renewable energy technologies, a commitment by the European Parliament to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2020, and international efforts led by the Governments of Germany, Denmark and Spain to establish an International Renewable Energy Agency, dedicated to the widespread adoption of renewable energy on a global scale.

“Looking at recent local and international commitments, it is our view that the world has reached a tipping point in the acceptance of renewable energy,” he said. “We have a long, challenging journey ahead of us, but we are heading in the right direction and the progress we are making is irreversible.”

“It is a testament to the will of our leadership, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, under their guidance Masdar will provide a comprehensive solution to the world’s energy challenges and maintain Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading supplier of energy to the world,” he added.

Masdar is host of the World Future Energy Summit, which commenced today and attracted more than 15,000 delegates, 300 exhibitors and 20 government delegations to discuss the global response to future energy challenges.


About Masdar

The Masdar Initiative is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted future energy initiative advancing the development, commercialization and deployment of renewable and alternative energy technologies and solutions. Masdar is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), and is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company. For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit www.masdaruae.com.

High-resolution video and images of Masdar City and the 2009 World Future Energy Summit are available at http://www.thenewsmarket.com/masdar

Additional and images are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/masdar

Masdar City,WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT 2009, ABU DHABI

Masdar City,WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT 2009, ABU DHABI

Masdar City,Abu Dhabi construction photos by Imre Solt, 18/January/2009

Masdar City,Abu Dhabi construction photos by Imre Solt, 18/January/2009

Masdar City,Abu Dhabi construction photos by Imre Solt, 18/January/2009