Earlier this week Abu Dhabi ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed used the eve of the World Future Energy Summit as a world stage for announcing the Emirate’s new green credentials through the imposition of a challenging 7% renewable energy target. Almost none of Abu Dhabi’s energy currently comes from renewable sources.
The Summit was founded by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi- billion dollar renewable and alternative energy investment company.
So why has Abu Dhabi decided to go so green? Mark Gunther at greenbiz opines on why this oil rich company is embarking on building the most ambitious, expensive, clean energy project in the world – the zero-carbon, zero -waste “Masdar City”. One key ingredient he picks out is the lack of NIMBYISM. If Abu Dhabi wants to build something big and risky in the middle of nowhere then they will have little resistance. They also have money and understand that oil supplies are not infinite.
Solar energy power plants are expected to provide much of Mazdar city’s energy requirements estimated to be in the region of 200-250MW. However the big question is whether this $22 billion project will be a success and a model for other cities around the world.
Above picture from http://www.masdaruae.com
