MEXICO PRESIDENT RECIEVES BRIEF ON MASDAR ACTIVITIES AND UAE PARTICIPATION IN CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS

Abu Dhabi-UAE/Cancun-Mexico: 8 December, 2010 – The President of Mexico, His Excellency Felipe Calderon received a comprehensive briefing from Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive of Masdar and United Arab Emirates Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, on the activities of Masdar and the UAE’s ongoing participation in the Climate Change Negotiations in Cancun.

The meeting took place at the ProMexico Green Solutions exhibition during the opening tour conducted by President Calderon where he visited the Masdar stand.

Green Solutions, an initiative by the Federal Government of Mexico hosted on the sidelines of the COP16 conference, offers a platform for the private sector to showcase the leading efforts of the private sector in climate change mitigation, particularly in the fields of trade, investment and technological development.

His Excellency the President thanked the UAE for its effective and engaging contribution to the negotiations at COP16 and applauded the UAE leadership’s efforts towards advancing renewable energy technologies and addressing climate change. He specifically commended the contribution of Masdar for its comprehensive and dynamic approach to addressing the challenges.

President Calderon also emphasized the importance of steering away from what he referred to as the “false dilemma” of economic growth versus climate change mitigation and persevering in the fight against climate change in the face of economic woes. He stressed that economic growth is possible despite the current financial situation. The President also commended the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the success of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), based out of the capital, Abu Dhabi.

Mexico, one of IRENA’s recent member states, joined the Agency July 7^th, 2010.

Dr. Al Jaber briefed the President on the nation’s economic diversification plans, which includes fostering human capital and the development of knowledge led industries.

He also provided the President with an overview of the UAE’s approach to energy diversification, explaining: “It is crucial for our future generations that we pursue an energy mix that will help reduce carbon emissions, advance technologies and conserve hydrocarbons for future generations.”

Dr. Al Jaber further explained that a key contributor to the UAE’s energy diversification plans is the Abu Dhabi based Masdar Initiative.

“Through our holistic approach that encompasses research, development, education, investment and deployment of renewable energy and clean technologies, Masdar is playing an important role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy goals and economic diversification plans.” 

Dr. Al Jaber also took the opportunity to brief His Excellency the President on the delicate state of the negotiations in Cancun and the significant differences in positions between the developed and developing countries as well as the importance of the continuation of the Kyoto protocol. Dr. Al Jaber praised the Mexican government for an excellent job of managing expectations and ensuring a transparent and inclusive process at COP16.

Dr. Al Jaber explained that this year’s negotiations present an opportunity to restore faith in the multilateral process.

"We are optimistic that countries recognize the importance of making substantive progress and are therefore more willing to compromise. This is a signal of the growing confidence in the multilateral system, which is key to achieving an effective solution to climate change. We are strong supporters of the multilateral process and are keen to be part of the solution."

He added: “Reaching important agreements and taking meaningful action to tackle climate change will not be driven by political entities or by private industry alone. A coordinated and cooperative approach by policy and business leaders is a key aspect to achieving a vibrant economy and a healthy environment.” 

Earlier in the day, the UAE delegation attended an exclusive briefing hosted by President Calderon that included various high level delegates.

The United Arab Emirates delegation in this year’s Conference of Parties consists of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directorate of Energy and Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment and Water, Ministry of Energy, Masdar, as well as the National Center for Meteorology and Seismology, and the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi.

About Masdar

Masdar is Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted initiative advancing the development, commercialization and deployment of renewable and alternative energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today’s fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future - developing the “greenprint” for how we will live and work tomorrow. Backed by the stability and reputation of the Mubadala Development Company, an investment vehicle of the government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the emirate’s long-term vision for the future of energy.

For more information about the Masdar Initiative, please visit: www.masdar.ae

DONG Energy, E.ON and Masdar give green light to build world’s largest offshore wind farm

LONDON, 12th May, 2009 – DONG Energy, E.ON and Masdar, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), have today announced that they will invest €2.2bn in building the first 630MW phase of the London Array offshore wind farm in the Thames Estuary.

Once complete, the scheme will be the the world’s largest, and the first 1GW, offshore wind farm. The project will supply enough power for around 750,000 homes – or a quarter of Greater London homes - and displace the emission of 1.9m tonnes of CO2 every year.

Today’s announcement comes after the UK Government’s recent proposal to increase its support for offshore wind power. The partners are satisfied that the project is now financially viable and are now keen to push ahead with construction and to produce the first renewable power in 2012.

Anders Eldrup, CEO of DONG Energy, said: “Following the 2 ROC announcement, and our subsequent decision to build the Walney projects, I'm thrilled that we today also have the final investment decision on the London Array project. The decision to build the London Array offshore wind farm is a very significant cornerstone in DONG Energy’s strategy to increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources. DONG Energy has built approximately half of all offshore wind farms in operation in the world today. Entering into the world’s largest offshore wind farm project further strengthens DONG Energy’s leading position in this field.”

E.ON CEO Dr. Wulf Bernotat said: “I’m delighted that work can now get underway on the world’s largest offshore wind farm. The start of London Array will mark a key milestone in our roadmap as we continue with our ambitious strategy to take renewables to an industrial level. With this pioneering scheme, we see a significant increase in scale for offshore wind and also for E.ON as we aim to become the world’s largest offshore wind farm developer.

“Today’s announcement is proof that, if all interested parties work together, renewable power can be taken to its next level and so make a real difference to the fight against climate change.”

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, said: "The leadership of Abu Dhabi recognizes the importance of global collaboration and engagement to deploy renewable energy on a large scale. The London Array represents Masdar’s strategic approach to renewable energy, whereby real partnerships are formed between government and the private sector. This project is a great achievement for the UK government, E.ON, DONG Energy and Masdar, which exemplifies our commitment to build cooperation to take renewable energy further down the path to widespread global adoption.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “The London Array is a flagship project in our drive to cut emissions by 80% by 2050 and meet future energy needs. The UK is a world leader in offshore wind farms, creating jobs and prosperity for the economy. That's why we have increased our support for this technology as we move towards a low carbon future.
"E.ON, DONG Energy and Masdar are to be congratulated for their work on the London Array."

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This is another green light for green energy. It’s a vote of confidence in the support the Government has put into backing renewable energy.

“The UK is already the world’s leading offshore wind power and this multi-billion pound project will help keep us there, cut our carbon emissions and contribute to secure energy supplies.”

Onshore work is now due to start in the summer, with offshore work due to start in early 2011.

The scheme will be built around 12 miles off the coasts of Kent and Essex. The wind farm will be installed on a 90 square mile site and will be built in two phases. The consortium hopes the first phase of 630MW will be completed and generating in 2012. The first phase will consist of 175 turbines. The second phase will add enough capacity to bring the total to 1,000MW.