Masdar chief gets UN recognition

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, has received this year’s United Nations’ Champions of the Earth Award. Organised by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the award seeks to honour individuals whose actions and leadership have made a far-reaching positive impact on the environment. “I am honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award. The UAE’s environmental stewardship was instilled by our nation’s founding father and president, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 2005, Shaikh Zayed received the Champions of the Earth Award in recognition of his life-long efforts towards achieving sustainable development,” commented Dr Al Jaber. The award is a precursor to the UAE’s participation at the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June, during which governments and civil society will review progress and renew their commitment to global sustainability. The award highlights Al Jaber’s achievements in advancing clean energy technologies to mitigate the threats of climate change through Masdar. Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company invests in clean technologies, deploys renewable energy projects and is building a city that adheres to the most rigorous sustainability standards. Masdar also invests in intellectual and human capital through the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. “The fact that the UAE has been recognised once again, seven years later, shows that we are moving steadily along the path drawn for us by our wise leadership to conserve our environment and preserve it for future generations. Today, safeguarding our environment and economic sustainability are at the core of the UAE’s development plans. It is a great honour for me, Masdar, and the people of the UAE to be recognised for our efforts in fulfilling Shaikh Zayed’s environmental legacy through this award,” he added. The designation of this award is yet another example of how the UAE is bringing to life action-oriented ideas and innovation that lead to a sustainable economy, environment and society. In an effort to advance clean energy access and technology, Masdar is deploying pioneering renewable energy projects across the globe; including Shams One, a 100MW concentrated solar power plant in Abu Dhabi; London Array, a 1GW offshore wind farm in the United Kingdom; and Gemasolar, a 20MW concentrated solar plant with innovative storage technology enabling perpetual energy supply to the grid.