Addressing the EnergyChallenges of the 21st Century

Abu Dhabi's drive to become a leader in the alternative energy sphere was demonstrated today as HRH Prince of Wales met with leading figures from the Masdar Initiative, Imperial College's Energy Futures Lab, BP and Shell to learn how industry and academia are joining forces to address the energy challenges of the 21st Century. The presentations took place in Abu Dhabi as part of the royal visit to the region. Masdar is Abu Dhabi's new economic development program to drive innovation in energy, technology and sustainable resources. Through collaboration with leading research institutions across Europe, Asia and North America, its projects will address key global issues, including energy security, climate change and sustainable development. 'It may seem odd that a country blessed with some of the world's largest hydrocarbons reserves is taking a pioneering role in the field of alternative energy,' explained Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company that is mandated to drive the Masdar Initiative. 'We see renewable energy sources as complementary to traditional hydrocarbons, given the rapid growth in overall world energy demand. To help meet this demand, Abu Dhabi is leveraging its substantial resources and expertise in the world's energy markets to develop the technologies of the future' he added. Masdar has formed strategic alliances with some of the most prominent names in global industry and academia - including the UK's BP, Shell and Imperial College - to develop initiatives and programmes in such areas as solar energy, biofuels, hydrogen power and carbon management. Continue to the full story from Source.