The Masdar Project
Main points:
Masdar, owned by Abu Dhabi government (part of Mubadala) is thinking about constructing a wind farm near the border with Saudi Arabia which will cost US$200m, and be unique to the area.
Wind power is expected to be part of the 7%, from renewable sources, of total energy output, to be implemented by 2020.
Because the Gulf is not extra windy, special blades and turbines will have to be created to take advantage of the light breezes.
Masdar is responsible for helping AbuDhabi reach the 7% target. It already has two 100Mgw solar projects being built. The wind project would also produce 100Mgw, but could be higher.
Masdar could award the construction contract as soon as January, depending on current studies, and could be producing electricity as soon as 2 years later.
Wind power is more difficult to build in the GCC than solar, because of the light winds. But, if you have the proper land, wind, and connection to the electric grid, then it is possible.
This project would cost US$200m Masdar estimates, and would need to be financed like other ‘green projects’. This project would also need financial support from the AD government to continue.
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