Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy has signed two MoUs on harnessing solar energy in space. The agreements, signed at COP28, have been signed with Arizona State Board of Governors, USA-based SolarSpace and IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency).
“While the Middle East enjoys excellent conditions for reliable solar power production with its ground-based facilities, successfully launching solar collectors into space is a new vista of potential clean energy gains. Without cloud cover blocking their panels, space-technology solar power farms could finally unlock the dream of a continuous, uninterrupted clean energy supply,” said the Chairman of the DoE, Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar.
The MoU with the University of Arizona looks to advance clean energy innovation and technologies by harnessing solar energy in space. The partnership sets sights on delving into the viability of space-based solar power technology (SBSP) and where it can possibly have applications in the UAE and the middle east.
With IRENA, the MoU is on a framework for cooperation in renewable energy, technologies and policies.
