The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multifaceted renewable energy initiative, announced that they will collaborate to test the performance of specially coated solar photovoltaic modules designed to avoid the moisture and cementation problems currently faced by PV module producers worldwide and prevent dry dust adhesion.
Developed by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – the U.S. federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies – the coatings have been selected for testing following exchanges of scientific and technical information with Masdar, including soil sample collection and site visits to Abu Dhabi. The cooperation is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed by the DOE and Masdar last April to promote collaboration on clean and sustainable energy technologies.
Daniel B. Poneman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, made the joint announcement at the solar test field of the specially coated photovoltaic modules located within Masdar City, which serves a clean tech cluster and test-bed of renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
Deputy Secretary Poneman said: “This collaborative testing exemplifies the shared vision of the United States and the United Arab Emirates to advance innovation and clean energy solutions. Masdar’s innovative test-bed supports the development of the cutting-edge technologies that will help overcome our energy challenges and aid economic growth. Through bilateral relationships like this, we can help build a secure, prosperous and sustainable energy future for the citizens of our nations and the world.”
Dr. Al Jaber said: “This pilot project demonstrates the real, tangible benefits created by the ongoing cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. Our strong alignment in renewable energy research and development will not only benefit both of our nations, but also the global transition towards clean energy solutions.
Collaboration and increased international partnerships can generate vital momentum in addressing the energy challenges of today – creating a pathway for thriving, diversified economies and clean energy innovation,” added Dr. Al Jaber.
Since signing the MoU in April 2010, bilateral working groups have been carrying out significant scientific and technical information exchange in areas including carbon capture and sequestration, buildings technology, clean energy sector national outreach, as well as investment-orientated analysis with the Advanced Research Projects Agency — Energy (ARPA-E).
“Acting as a test-bed for the United States to evaluate new technologies affirms Masdar’s global leadership as a hub for collaboration in renewable energy and clean technology development,” added Dr. Al Jaber. “It is a testament to Masdar’s commitment to work in parallel with global partners to advance the adoption of clean energy worldwide and foster human and scientific development.”
The current U.S.- UAE collaboration complements Masdar’s existing strong partnership with commercial entities and academic institutions in the United States, including: cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the establishment of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology a not-for-profit, post-graduate research institute dedicated to renewable energy, environmental technologies and sustainability.
The United States and the United Arab Emirates will continue collaboration when the second Clean Energy Ministerial is held in Abu Dhabi on April 6-7, 2011. U.S. Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu, alongside other member nations, will be in attendance. Established in 2009, the high-level global forum brings together governments to promote policies and programs that advance clean energy technology and facilitate the transition to a global clean energy economy.