Masdar’s latest renewable energy project, a 15-megawatt solar installation in Mauritania, underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to the United Nations’ Year of Sustainable Energy For All – a global initiative announced by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the 2012 World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.
Sustainable Energy For All was created to mobilize actions in support of three key objectives: universal access to modern energy services; double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency; and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
During the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “Across the world we see momentum building for concrete action that reduces energy poverty, catalyzes sustainable economic growth, and mitigates the risks of climate change.”
The launch of the Year of Sustainable Energy for All further reinforced the shared vision of the Abu Dhabi leadership and the United Nations Secretary General to encourage the widespread adoption of renewable energy and improve energy access.
With renewable energy commitments in Tonga, Afghanistan and now Mauritania, as well as the addition of the $500,000 Global High Schools category to the Zayed Future Energy Prize, Masdar remains dedicated to advancing the goals of the UN initiative.
“Our solar PV venture in Mauritania reflects our commitment to develop commercial projects that support the Sustainable Energy For All objectives of improving energy access and encouraging the deployment of clean energy,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Masdar and principal of the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Group on Sustainable Energy For All.
This January will mark a full year since the launch of the UN initiative. To date, more than US $50 billion has been mobilized from the private sector and investors, while tens of billions of dollars have been committed by multi-lateral development banks in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
“Ever since the initiative was launched, it has received resounding support from various governments, organizations and companies,” added Al Jaber. “The upcoming Abu Dhabi Sustainably Week will unite industry leaders to identify new causes and collaboration opportunities to carry forward the momentum of the UN Secretary General’s initiative.”
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, taking place January 13 – 17, 2013 is a global platform that will address the interconnected challenges that affect the widespread acceleration of sustainable development and renewable energy development. Through a series of events, the week will address the global energy challenge and examine the relationships between economic development, energy security, water scarcity and climate change.
This past September, Sustainable Energy For All evolved from a year-long initiative to a permanent organisation. As a long-term effort, Sustainable Energy For All will build on its successes, track its progress and serve as a global force tackling the most difficult energy challenges.
To date, Masdar’s commitments to the Year of Sustainable Energy For All include:
Tonga – a 500 KW solar project on the island of Vava’u
Afghanistan – 600 residential solar systems
Mauritania – a 15 MW solar photovoltaic project
Zayed Future Energy Prize – addition of a $500,000 Global High Schools category