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66-580: Masdar Institute was an integral part of the non-profit side of the Masdar Initiative and was the first institution to occupy Masdar City . The Technology and Development Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology provided scholarly assessment and advice to Masdar Institute. As of April 2018, the collaborative agreement between the two institutions is still in place and currently hosts several exchange students from

132-505: A personal rapid transit (PRT) system, which transports people in autonomous electric pods along an underground track. In October 2010, it was announced the PRT would not expand beyond the pilot due to the cost of creating the undercroft to segregate the system from pedestrian traffic. Subsequently, a test fleet of 10 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars was deployed in 2011 as part of a one-year pilot to test point-to-point transportation for

198-588: A 45% reduction in energy demand. The Incubator Building includes retail and office space to house start-ups, small-and-medium-sized enterprises, and regional offices for multinationals. Some of the most notable tenants have included General Electric, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, and the Global Green Growth Institute . It is rated LEED Gold. Part of Khalifa University, formerly the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology ,

264-643: A combination of its own surveys, official national statistics, industry reports, research studies, and various news outlets. In its March 2024 publication, IRENA highlighted a marked rise in global renewable electricity capacity, with an increase of 473 gigawatts (GW) in 2023. This figure represents 86% of all newly installed power generation capacity during that year. China was the leading contributor to this growth. The report also noted significant developments in solar and wind energy : solar energy capacity expanded by 32.4% to reach 1.42 terawatts (TW), thus overtaking hydropower , while wind energy capacity also achieved

330-591: A flushing effect that cools the street. Passive design is a cornerstone of Masdar City’s approach to sustainability. This design philosophy leverages the building’s physical components and the natural environment to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort without relying on mechanical systems. Key passive design strategies include: These passive design techniques have led to significant energy savings across Masdar City, with some buildings achieving energy reductions of 50% or more compared to conventional designs. Transportation options include public mass transit and

396-531: A keystone for the future development of the emirate and expressed their commitment through the establishment of Masdar Initiative, Masdar City and the Zayed Future Energy Prize . The institute's interim provost, Behjat Al Yousuf, was appointed in May 2015. She previously served as the dean of students at Masdar. In the same year, the institute completed a thermal energy storage project with

462-611: A new construction called Masdar City Square. It will cover 29,000 square meters, including a net-zero energy commercial headquarters building and six additional LEED Platinum and WELL Gold buildings. It is projected to be complete in 2024. On February 2, 2023, Masdar City broke ground on The Link, a mixed-use development that will cover 30,000 square meters. It will include a net-zero energy co-lab building that will house both office and residential space, as well as four other LEED Platinum and WELL Gold buildings that will include event space, recreational and fitness facilities, and retail. It

528-593: A professor at Columbia Business School in New York City and an expert in environmental economics , called Masdar City "a gimmick, a way of attracting publicity and attention." Its use of solar energy is not a practical model for others to follow, Heal further noted, given that few places in the world enjoy as much year-round sunlight as the Persian Gulf . International Renewable Energy Agency The International Renewable Energy Agency ( IRENA )

594-415: A scientific outreach that included 201 scientific peer reviewed journal and book publications and 217 conference papers and presentations by April 2018. 24°25′57″N 54°37′07″E  /  24.43250°N 54.61861°E  / 24.43250; 54.61861 Masdar City Masdar City ( Arabic : مدينة مصدر , romanized :  Madīnat Maṣdar , lit.   'Source City')

660-546: A state be a member of the United Nations and to regional intergovernmental economic-integration organizations. States that gain membership to IRENA must uphold the organizations statute to the best of its abilities. On 9 January 2019, Canada became IRENA's 160th member. As of July 2022, 168 states and the European Union are members of IRENA, and a further 17 are in the process of accession. This assembly

726-485: A vibrant community and center for innovation. The city is undergoing significant expansion, with numerous projects in development, including new offices, laboratories, and residential buildings designed to accommodate the increasing demand for sustainable urban spaces. Masdar City Free Zone is a prominent hub within Masdar City, recognized for fostering innovation and sustainability. Home to over 1,000 organizations,

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792-580: A wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and smart cities. The company has been instrumental in driving significant advancements in AI applications, including the development of cutting-edge solutions that address complex challenges such as healthcare diagnostics and urban planning. The UAE Space Agency , headquartered in Masdar City, is a pivotal institution driving the UAE's ambitions in space exploration and technology. Established to support and regulate

858-553: Is Francesco La Camera , a national of Italy. IRENA is an official United Nations observer. The first suggestions for an international renewable agency is based on the 1980 Brandt Report activities. NGOs and industry lobbying groups like Eurosolar , the World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) and the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) have promoted IRENA since several decades. In 1990,

924-610: Is IRENA's main institutional governing body, which includes one delegate from each member state. The assembly meets once yearly to discuss all IRENA management including things such as budget, membership applications and yearly goals. The 9th Assembly took place in January 2019 with the 10th Assembly scheduled for 11–12 January in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The IRENA council is composed of 21 elected officials from member states, who each serve for two-year terms and must answer to

990-457: Is a pioneering institution located within Masdar City, dedicated to advancing the field of artificial intelligence (AI). As the world's first graduate-level, research-based AI university, MBZUAI offers specialized programs in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. The university aims to cultivate top-tier talent and foster groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges. MBZUAI's presence in Masdar City strengthens

1056-536: Is also located in Masdar City. The LEED Platinum building makes use of sustainable and energy efficient materials and building techniques. It was designed to use 45 per cent less energy and 50 per cent less water than typical office buildings. The Siemens headquarters won an award for best office building at the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards in 2012. The Middle East Architect Awards named it both

1122-534: Is an intergovernmental organization mandated to facilitate cooperation, advance knowledge, and promote the adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy . It is the first international organisation to focus exclusively on renewable energy, addressing needs in both industrialised and developing countries. It was founded in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010. The agency is headquartered in Masdar City , Abu Dhabi . The Director-General of IRENA

1188-593: Is an urban community in Abu Dhabi , the capital of the United Arab Emirates . It was built by Masdar , a subsidiary of the state-owned Mubadala Investment Company , with the majority of seed capital provided by the Government of Abu Dhabi. Masdar City aims to be a model for sustainable urban living , combining renewable energy , green building practices , and advanced technology. Masdar City

1254-484: Is designed to minimize its environmental impact, with energy-efficient buildings, a reduced carbon footprint, and a focus on research and development in clean technologies. As a hub for sustainable innovation, the city hosts a range of international companies, startups, and research institutions dedicated to advancing sustainable practices across various industries. As of 2023, Masdar City is home to approximately 15,000 residents and office commuters, reflecting its growth as

1320-485: Is located in Masdar City. The design of the campus emphasizes flexibility, the use of traditional architectural elements, and modern materials that minimize energy needs. By 2013, 336 students were enrolled at the institute. These students were selected from more than 2,000 applicants. Forty-two per cent of enrolled students are from the UAE and 35 per cent are female . The university's building, developed in co-operation with

1386-445: Is projected to be complete in 2025. Masdar City is designed to welcome pedestrians and cyclists. The temperature in the streets generally feels 5-10 C cooler than the surrounding desert. The difference is due to urban design. The city's core, called the podium, is raised above the surrounding area and oriented to pull wind through the streets. Buildings are clustered close together to create streets and walkways that are shielded from

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1452-690: Is strategically focused on six industry clusters, each contributing to the advancement of global sustainability goals: Masdar City Free Zone has established partnerships with key organizations to further enhance business development. Collaborations with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) provide businesses with the option to operate under Common Law, facilitating greater foreign investment. Additionally, partnerships with Amazon Web Services (AWS) offer startups access to cloud credits and tools, while collaborations with local banks support financial services tailored to Free Zone tenants. Masdar City

1518-554: Is the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency , commonly known as IRENA, the first intergovernmental organization in the Middle East. Construction of IRENA's headquarters was completed in 2015. Masdar City was selected to host IRENA's headquarters after a high-profile campaign by the UAE. In its bid, the UAE offered rent-free offices in Masdar City, 20 IRENA scholarships to

1584-438: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology , uses 51 per cent less electricity and 54 per cent less potable water than traditional buildings in the UAE , and is fitted with a metering system that constantly observes power consumption. Initiated in 2006, the city was envisioned to cover six square kilometers and estimated to cost US$ 18−22 billion . The original plan was that it would take approximately eight years to build, with

1650-575: The United Nations University , UNESCO, the World Bank , GEF, UNIDO , UNDP , UNEP , and WTO in the areas of education and training, financing, access to energy, potential studies and trade. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) compiles and publishes statistics on the net generating capacity of renewable energy sources for electricity production, covering a period from 2013 to 2023. The agency gathers data through

1716-604: The Venturi effect , a breeze flows up to the roof of the building through atria in the building's structure, cooling public spaces without energy costs. These atria also allow daylight into the center of the building in order to reduce the need for artificial lighting, further reducing energy consumption. The building's automation systems are all from Siemens. Siemens signed an initial 10-year lease. The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence ( MBZUAI )

1782-614: The Austrian government of Franz Vranitzky suggested a reneweables agency to the UN. One of the drivers was Hermann Scheer , a German politician and lobbyist which was acting as president of EUROSOLAR and chair of WCRE. On 15 June, at their annual event, the WWEA gave their 2010 World Wind Energy Award to the Founding member States of IRENA. They stated: "The creation of IRENA can be seen as

1848-459: The Free Zone provides an ecosystem that supports a diverse range of businesses, from startups and SMEs to multinational corporations. This business community benefits from state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable office spaces, and a streamlined regulatory environment, all designed to accelerate innovation and growth. Masdar City Free Zone offers a unique One-Stop Shop service that simplifies

1914-694: The Interim Director-General and the interim headquarters were submitted by 30 April 2009. The second session of the Preparatory Commission met in Sharm el-Sheikh , Egypt , on 29–30 June 2009, to elect the Interim Director General and decide the location of IRENA's interim headquarters. It was decided, that the interim headquarters will be located in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates . The UAE thus became

1980-701: The International Renewable Energy Agency was held in Bonn , Germany, on 26 January 2009. 75 countries signed the Agency's statute. The statute entered into force on 8 July 2010, 30 days after the 25th country deposited its instrument of ratification. The Founding Conference established the Preparatory Commission for IRENA, which consists of all signatory states. During the first session of the Preparatory Commission in Bonn on 27 January 2009,

2046-576: The Majid Al Futtaim's My City Centre Masdar Shopping Mall. Under a revised design, public transport within the city will rely on methods other than the PRT and NAVYA. Masdar City is working on using a mix of electric vehicles and other clean-energy vehicles for mass transit inside the city. The majority of private vehicles will be restricted to parking lots along the city's perimeter. Abu Dhabi's planned but delayed light rail and metro line may eventually connect Masdar City's center with

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2112-842: The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and up to US$ 350 million in loans for renewable energy projects in developing countries. Masdar , also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development. Headquartered in Masdar City, the company spearheads a range of initiatives aimed at advancing clean energy technologies and reducing carbon footprints worldwide. Masdar's portfolio includes investments in renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power plants, as well as sustainable real estate developments that set new benchmarks for environmental performance. The regional headquarters for Siemens

2178-521: The Norwegian company EnergyNest AS in Abu Dhabi, which was continued for improvement until 2017. In 2017, it merged with two other institutions in Abu Dhabi, Petroleum Institute and Khalifa University, to become the multi-campus and sole-branded Khalifa University. The campus, like Masdar City , was designed by architectural firm Foster + Partners and the first phase of the project was managed by CH2M Hill . By 2017, 456 students were enrolled and

2244-517: The Preparatory Commission on 24–25 October 2010 in Abu Dhabi appointed Kenyan representative Adnan Amin, Deputy Interim Director-General, to perform functions of Interim Director-General after resignation of Hélène Pelosse. On 4 April 2011, Adnan Amin was sworn in as the first Director-General. The agency has staged a number of events bringing together member states for interaction on ways and means of furthering renewable energy, and conducted significant research and development into viable solutions for

2310-629: The UAE’s broader vision of becoming a leader in space science and technology, with the UAE Space Agency at the forefront of these efforts. Masdar City partnered with oil giant BP to created The Catalyst , an investor that supports clean-tech start-ups. As of May 2023, The Catalyst supports eight start-ups. It aims to attract companies focusing on green technology, and they accept applications from local and international businesses and entrepreneurs. The Incubator Building, completed in 2012, serves as

2376-466: The UN will join forces to speed up the transformation of the global energy sector. Hélène Pelosse, former Interim Director General of IRENA, met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during 2009 Climate week in New York City , and together with Ban explored future fields of cooperation between IRENA and various UN bodies. IRENA also seeks to cooperate with the UN and associated organisations like

2442-569: The United Nations General Assembly declared January 26 as the International Day of Clean Energy through resolution A/77/327. This particular date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009. IRENA aims to become the main driving force in promoting a transition towards the use of renewable energy on a global scale: Acting as

2508-496: The assembly. Council members rotate between states to ensure an efficient and fair representation of various member country sizes, geographic location, rates of development and particular concerns. The council deals directly with IRENA matters related to budgeting and annual reports. The Secretariat is the executive branch of IRENA and consists of the Director-General and their staff. The Secretariat acts as oversight to

2574-419: The best and most sustainable office building the same year. The 12,000 square-foot building is built around the idea of a "box within a box." The structure includes a highly insulated airtight inner façade that insulates from the sun and a lightweight aluminum shading system on the exterior. The plaza beneath the building is funnel-shaped. This shape works to suck prevailing winds underneath the building. Due to

2640-401: The city as a complement to the PRT. In 2018, as part of a trial project, seven autonomous shuttles, called NAVYA, began to operate on the podium, carrying passengers between the car park and the city center. A further route was due to open in 2019 that ran from the residential complex above the city's North Car Park to the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and

2706-594: The city is palmwood , a sustainable hardwood-substitute developed by Pacific Green using plantation coconut palms that no longer bear fruit. Palmwood features include the entrance gates, screens and doors. The project is supported by the global conservation charity World Wide Fund for Nature and the sustainability group Bioregional . In 2008, in response to the project's commitment to zero carbon , zero waste and other environmentally friendly goals, WWF and Bioregional endorsed Masdar City as an official One Planet Living Community. The US Government has supported

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2772-427: The city's status as a hub for AI innovation and contributes to the development of intelligent systems that promote sustainable growth across various sectors. G42 , based in Masdar City, is a leading artificial intelligence and cloud computing company that plays a pivotal role in advancing technological innovation in the region. Known for its work in big data analytics, AI research, and cloud infrastructure, G42 supports

2838-457: The city." Blowing sand has been a problem for its solar panels, so Masdar City has worked with other organizations to engineer surfaces with pores smaller than sand particles to stop them from sticking on the panels. Low-flow water fixtures are used throughout the city to reduce water use, and waste water is reused "as many times as possible," with greywater being used for crop irrigation and other purposes. The exterior wood used throughout

2904-577: The council and assembly and offers technical support to these governing bodies. The current of Director-General of IRENA is the Italian Francesco La Camera who was appointed to the position during IRENA's Ninth Assembly and assumed office on 4 April 2019. IRENA's first Director-General was Adnan Z. Amin , a Kenyan national. He was elected to the post in April 2011 and completed a second term that ended April 2019. Afterwards, he

2970-410: The country's growing space sector, the agency plays a crucial role in advancing scientific research, developing space technologies, and fostering international cooperation in space exploration. The agency is also a key player in Masdar City's Space Tech cluster, which includes various organizations working on satellite technology, space exploration, and related fields. This cluster is designed to support

3036-516: The entire city through on-site methods such as rooftop solar panels. He said, "When we started this project, nobody had really looked at doing projects of this scale. Then you realize it's much more efficient to build your solar field on the ground in the middle of the desert. You can send a man to brush them off every day, rather than having to access everyone's buildings individually, and you can make sure that they are running at their absolute peak. It's much better than putting them on every building in

3102-648: The first developing country to host a major international organisation. In addition, an innovation and technology center will be located in Bonn, and an office dedicated to liaising with the United Nations and other international institutions will be located in Vienna . Hélène Pelosse was elected as the Interim Director-General. The second session of the Preparatory Commission also adopted an interim work programme and budget as well as for interim staff regulations and interim financial rules. The fourth session of

3168-538: The first phase scheduled to be completed and habitable in 2009. Construction began on Masdar City in February 2008 and the first six buildings of the city were completed and occupied in October 2010. However, due to the impact of the global financial crisis , completion was pushed back to between 2020 and 2025. By 2016, less than 300,000 square metres (0.12 sq mi) had been developed and final completion

3234-448: The formation of IRENA. The Preparatory Conference for founding IREA was held on 10 and 11 April 2008 with 54 countries participating. Here, government representatives discussed the objectives, activities, finances, and organizational structure of IRENA. Participants expressed a need to begin a swift transition to a more secure, sustainable renewable energy economy with the assistance of an international body. The Founding Conference of

3300-498: The future. On 8 September 2014, IRENA published a notable report on its works titled REthinking energy , which encouraged "speedier adoption of renewable energy technologies," as "the most feasible route to reduce carbon emissions and avoid catastrophic climate change." The study set out to gauge the global power sector and establish how technological advances, economic growth and climate change are transforming it. "A convergence of social, economic and environmental forces are transforming

3366-417: The global energy system as we know it. But if we continue on the path we are currently on and fuel our growing economies with outmoded ways of thinking and acting, we will not be able avoid the most serious impacts of climate change," Amin said at a function to release the report. The Ninth Meeting of International Renewable Energy Agency Council was held on 10–11 June 2015 at Abu Dhabi. On August 25, 2023,

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3432-743: The global voice for renewable energies, IRENA will provide practical advice and support for both industrialised and developing countries, help them improve their regulatory frameworks and build capacity. The agency will facilitate access to all relevant information including reliable data on the potential of renewable energy, best practices, effective financial mechanisms and state-of-the-art technological expertise. IRENA provides advice and support to governments on renewable energy policy , capacity building, and technology transfer. IRENA will also co-ordinate with existing renewable energy organizations, such as REN21 . The statute to gain IRENA membership requires that

3498-445: The greater metropolitan area. As of 2020 , connections to beyond the city continue to be by car, as a projected light rail line does not yet exist. The original master plan envisioned a city functioning on its own grid with full carbon neutrality . Masdar City is partially powered by solar panels, but also draws power from the local grid. Gerard Evenden, the lead architect, says that the original plan for Masdar called for powering

3564-631: The headquarters for Masdar City and its Free Zone. It is designed around a central courtyard, which helps maintain cool air and encourages outdoor walking. The building's façade incorporates innovative design features to minimize cooling requirements, such as slanted glass sides that reduce solar gain by over a third. Inlaid porcelain circles, known as fritting, filter direct sunlight, with color-coded dots that reflect varying levels of sunlight intensity. Horizontal bands of shading at ceiling and desk height further enhance comfort by balancing light quality and reducing heat gain. These design innovations contribute to

3630-629: The institute had more than 550 alumni . Masdar Institute commenced teaching in September 2009. Its academics conducted research individually and in collaboration with several top ranked universities, notably MIT, on topics including water environment and health, advanced energy systems and microsystems, and advanced materials. By 2018, through the MI-MIT collaboration, 8 projects were completed and 11 one-to-one research and 3 flagship projects (larger research teams) were being executed. The collaboration had

3696-512: The legacy cohorts. Masdar Institute was established on February 25, 2007. The project developer was Hip Hing Construction and the architects were Foster and Partners . As of 2017, the institute employed 85 faculty members and had an enrollment of 456 students. The establishment of Masdar Institute was part of a resource diversification policy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi's leadership views research and education in alternative energy as

3762-527: The most important decision ever taken on the global level in favour of renewable energy. The founding of IRENA sent out a very strong signal to the world community that renewable energy will have to play and will play a key role in the future energy supply all over the world. With the Award, WWEA would also like to indicate that WWEA is committed to work closely with IRENA and will continue to give its full support." Since 1981, several meetings took place to discuss

3828-515: The organization was involved in the implementation of policies such as the Paris Agreement, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the G7 and G20. IRENA's membership also grew to include nearly all countries world-wide. Various UN organisations work in the field of renewable energy. But IRENA is the only one dedicated to the promotion of 100% renewable energy worldwide. IRENA and

3894-489: The project. The US Department of Energy has signed a partnership agreement with Masdar in a deal that will see the two organizations share expertise to support plans on zero-carbon cities . The Alliance to Save Energy honored Masdar City with a 2012 EE Visionary Award in recognition of the city's contributions to the advancement of energy efficiency. Some skeptics are concerned that the city will be only symbolic for Abu Dhabi. In an interview in 2011, Geoffrey M. Heal ,

3960-400: The setup process for companies, allowing them to focus on core business activities. This service includes business registration, government relations, visa processing, and access to a network of local and international partners. Additionally, companies benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, no import tariffs, and the freedom to repatriate capital and profits. To cater to

4026-413: The signatory countries adopted criteria and procedures for selecting IRENA's Interim Director-General and its interim headquarters. An Administrative Committee was created to assist the commission in preparing its second session. The Administrative Committee prepared draft proposals for an interim work programme and budget as well as for interim staff regulations and interim financial rules. Nominations for

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4092-425: The specific needs of various industries, Masdar City Free Zone offers tailored business packages. These packages are designed to support companies in sectors such as smart mobility, life sciences, AI, agritech, space technology, and sustainable energy. Each package provides access to essential resources, including funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and access to specialized facilities. Masdar City Free Zone

4158-420: The sun. Additionally, a 45-metre-high (148 ft) wind tower modelled on traditional Arab designs sucks air from above and creates a cooling breeze. Masdar City is home to the widely pictured Eco-Residences, which have terracotta walls decorated with arabesque patterns and are rated LEED Platinum. Masdar City also contains a tech park made from recycled standard 40 foot unit shipping containers. Masdar City

4224-763: Was accorded Amin the honorary title of Director-General Emeritus . Along with his work as Secretariat, Amin also served as the Director of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) at their New York office and as Special Representative of the UNEP Executive Director where he played a crucial role in reviewing international governance and his organizations participation at the World Summit of Sustainable Development. During his time as Director General of IRENA,

4290-414: Was designed by Foster and Partners . Foster's design team started its work by touring ancient cities such as Cairo and Muscat to see how they kept cool. Foster found that these cities coped with hot desert temperatures through shorter, narrower streets, usually no longer than 70 metres (230 ft). The buildings at the end of these streets create just enough wind turbulence to push air upwards, creating

4356-410: Was estimated to be 2030. As of 2020 , a 2030 completion date was still projected. The city is meant to be an example of sustainable urban development, innovation, and community living. As designed, the city would be home to 45,000 to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses. More than 60,000 workers were projected to commute to the city daily. On June 24, 2022, Masdar City broke ground on

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