Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, on Monday in New York, received a special recognition award from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), for its leadership in innovation that advances sustainable energy.

The award was granted as part of the "Powering the Future We Want" joint programme between UN-DESA and the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) that promotes innovative practices in the challenge area of energy for sustainable development. UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon and UN President Sam Kutesa keynoted the ceremony.

"We are delighted to announce that the UN-DESA Energy Grant Special Award will go to Masdar for its leadership, vision, innovation and long-standing successful efforts in advancing clean energy around the world," said Mr Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. "We are pleased to present this award to an institution that furthers clean energy solutions that seek to address the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, in line with our vision of sustainable energy for all," said Mr Wu.

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, Head of Sustainability at Masdar, accepted the award on behalf of Masdar.

"I am honoured that Masdar has been recognised for our achievements in making the goal of providing greater access to energy worldwide a reality. Masdar represents the embodiment of the UAE's commitment to advancing safe, clean and secure energy, and to transitioning from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. We are committed to continuing to collaborate with local, regional and global partners to forward the sustainable energy agenda worldwide," she said.

The UN-DESA "Powering the Future We Want" programme was established following the Rio +20 Conference, which recognised the importance of expanding access to sustainable modern energy services. The goal of the programme is to promote success stories and best practices in energy for sustainable development that can serve as beacons for the rest of the world.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Masdar, said "Masdar is a successful model of public-private partnership. With the support of the visionary leadership of the UAE, Masdar has been able to pioneer advances in delivering renewable energy solutions in some of the most difficult places in the world. In order to advance the goals of the post-2015 agenda, we will need to prioritise innovative partnership and creative collaboration on meeting the energy needs of the future."

Masdar leads the Middle East with its financial commitment of US$1.7 billion to renewable energy developments. It is responsible for the generation of nearly 1 gigawatt of clean power worldwide, with a goal to increase that amount to 1.5 gigawatts by 2020. Masdar also invests in small and medium-sized applications in often challenging conditions and geographies. It has delivered 14 projects in five countries and has 13 ongoing projects across nine different countries.

Masdar is Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company which works to advance the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. The company serves as a link between today's fossil fuel economy and the energy economy of the future. Wholly owned by the Mubadala Development Company PJSC, the strategic investment company of the Government of Abu Dhabi, Masdar is dedicated to the Emirates' long-term vision for the future of energy and water.
Source: WAM