Although Abu Dhabi has gained much of its wealth from its vast oil reserves, it has no intention of sitting around and watching the rest of the world transition to clean energy. As experts reveal that we will not be able to depend on fossil fuels as a main source energy for much longer, Abu Dhabi’s government is busy setting up programs and projects to ensure that they are just as prominent in clean energy technologies as they have been in oil production.

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Development Company, owned entirely by the government has created a Future Energy Company which will follow the steps laid out by the The Masdar Initiative. The initiative introduces four key components which will help Abu Dhabi as a nation evolve into a clean energy model.

“1. An Innovation Center to support the demonstration, commercialization and adoption of sustainable energy technologies;

2. A world-class University offering specialist graduate programs in renewable energy and sustainability, in partnership with leading international universities and research institutes.

3. A specialized Development Company focused on the commercialization of emissions reduction, and Clean Development Mechanism solutions as provided by the Kyoto Protocol on climate change;

4. A Special Economic Zone tailored to hosting institutions which will invest in development and production of renewable energy technologies and products.” **

I believe that The Masdar Initiative leaders are working with MIT scientists to build a curriculum for its University. Certainly, Abu Dhabi has a plan to not only be a center for knowledge on clean energy technology, but also plans to take a leading role in developing this technology. This is why it has begun building a $350 million Solar Plant in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Water Authority. I can’t think of a better way for a nation who discovered its riches in oil reserves to invest in the future of its economy, environment and livelihood.

Sources:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/15/business/emir.php
http://www.mubadala.ae/en/content/masdar_initiative.asp