The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy initiative, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration on clean and sustainable energy technologies.

The agreement, signed at DOE by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman and Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, builds on the historically strong ties between the United States and the United Arab Emirates to establish a framework for cooperation in three key areas - carbon capture and sequestration, water and bio-fuels, and building technology. The agreement opens the door for scientific and technical exchanges and joint research and development of clean energy technologies.

"This agreement strengthens the ties that bind the United States and the United Arab Emirates. We look forward to working with Masdar to find clean energy solutions that will help us overcome our energy challenges. By enhancing cooperation on clean energy, we can help build a secure, prosperous and sustainable energy future for the citizens of our nations and the world," said Deputy Secretary Poneman.

Dr. Al Jaber said: "The signing of this agreement exemplifies the nature and strength of the bilateral relationship between the UAE and the U.S. Our two nations are strongly aligned when it comes to energy issues and we both recognize it is imperative that we start to change the way we consume energy.

"The growth of the renewable and sustainable energy sector is seen as an important catalyst for economic growth and diversification. That is why we are delighted to be partnering with the DOE, one of the world’s leading energy authorities, and look forward to the mutual benefits our cooperation will bring in terms of promoting sustaining energy solutions, creating investment opportunities and fostering human and scientific development." "This agreement is a declaration of Masdar’s commitment to work collaboratively with global partners to develop viable renewable energy solutions and to jointly address pressing global energy challenges such as climate change and energy security," he added.

A key component of the agreement is that it will provide better and easier access for small and medium sized enterprises operating in clean technology clusters within the United Arab Emirates and the United States to enter their respective markets, which in turn will help to boost trade, investment and job opportunities. The U.S. and UAE are already firmly established trade partners and the UAE is the top Middle East market for US goods - in 2009 the value of U.S. exports to the UAE was $12.1bn.

The agreement also facilitates the ability of Masdar to participate in DOE funded projects and for the DOE to have fast-track demonstration and pilot opportunities in Masdar with research and development support from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a not-for-profit, post-graduate research institute dedicated to renewable energy, environmental technologies and sustainability.

Other areas of potential cooperation include the exchange of scientific and technical information, as well as information on clean energy policy; the exchange of experts, engineers, scientists, and other specialists; identification of areas and projects suitable for the possible future conduct of joint research and development and realization of pilot-scale and commercial-scale projects and fostering the development of human capital in the UAE and the U.S. to address the future needs of the clean technology sector.

A detailed work plan will be developed over the coming months, with quarterly updates and annual reviews to ensure the implementation of the framework agreement.

The clean energy framework agreement with the DoE marks the first such initiative for Masdar with a US government entity and follows on the company’s already strong ties with commercial entities and academic institutions in the United States, most notably: collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the establishment of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Boeing and Honeywell UOP, together with the UAE’s Etihad Airways, recently signed agreements to establish a major research and demonstration project in Abu Dhabi, UAE to support the development and commercialization of aviation biofuels.
 

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