Michigan University announced champions of Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge
The Michigan University team has yesterday been awarded first place in the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, while second place went to the United Arab Emirates' Petroleum Institute (PI). It is the first time the UAE has been represented in a solar car challenge. Belgium's Punch Powertrain team took third place.
The USA team was announced winners during the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi World Future Energy Summit, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company, the event is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The first solar challenge competition to be held in the region, saw students from Australia, the Middle East, Europe, America and Asia compete in the cross-country road event.
Noah Kaczor, the driver who crossed the finish line for Michigan University, said, "It's a dream come true to have won the first ever Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. This has been an incredible experience for us and we are thrilled that all our hard work has paid off. We faced tough competition from some great teams from all over the world. Abu Dhabi was an ideal location for an event like this, and we look forward to coming back for future events and hopefully defending our title!" After a qualifying stage at Yas Marina Circuit, the teams took to the roads of Abu Dhabi, to drive through the city and desert, using only sunlight as their fuel. They had to factor in a variety of elements and road conditions to get the best performance out of their cars.
Abdul Munim Al Kindy, Ceo of ADCO, said, "Congratulations to all of the teams who took part in the first Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. Special congratulations to the winning team and those close behind in second and third, including our home team in second place. We at ADNOC are extremely proud to have brought the first ever solar challenge to the Middle East. The event has been a huge success and has showcased Abu Dhabi in all its glory and cemented its position as a global leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. We look forward to welcoming even more teams for the event in the future." Masdar's global reputation as a renewable-energy pioneer helped bring the solar challenge to Abu Dhabi. The company's mission to advance clean energy, along with Abu Dhabi's role as an international energy hub, made the emirate an ideal location for the solar-car competition.
Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Masdar, said, "We are proud to have hosted this iconic event and extend our congratulations to all of the teams involved, especially the winners, Michigan State. They can be proud of the determination and commitment they have demonstrated in winning. For the Petroleum Institute to finish second in their first ever solar challenge event is also a great achievement. We wish them all the best of luck for their next competition." "The Challenge has brought innovation in clean energy technology to life, and highlights Abu Dhabi's leadership in the sector. Its legacy will live on in the inspiring message it will deliver for young people across the country." Dan Eberle, Race Director, Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, congratulated the University of Michigan on winning the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. "It was a close run with less than five minutes separating them and the UAE team, the Petroleum Institute. The team performed fantastically in their debut solar competition. It is many years since we have seen a team do so well their first time out. They have done themselves and the country proud." "I'd also like to congratulate the rest of our competitors for a great Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. The Challenge was conducted with the spirit and ethos of solar challenges around the world." Egyptian President's keynote speech at World Future Energy Summit
In a keynote statement, during the 8th session of the World Future Energy Summit, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, greeted and thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the UAE Government for the warm welcome and hospitality given during his visit to the country.
As he addressed the importance of renewable energy, the Egyptian President commended Masdar's outstanding efforts in hosting and organising the World Energy Summit, which, he said, highlights the UAE's leading role at the global level in promoting renewable energy and the concept of sustainable development.
The President stressed Egypt's commitment to addressing its long term energy security and its plans to expand its reliance on renewable energy to 20 percent by 2020. He also outlined that this target will be achieved through a comprehensive energy strategy, which includes reforms that support the adoption of all sources of energy. "As part of the strategy, Egypt plans to build a 4,300 megawatt of solar and wind power over the next three years," he said, adding that Egypt must leverage its strategic geographic location and infrastructure to make the country an economic hub.
El-Sisi pointed to the strong historical relations and links that the UAE and Egypt share, which were established by the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, and praised the historical stance of the UAE government and its people in supporting the aspirations and needs of the Egyptian people through two revolutions.
President el-Sissi went on to say that the World Future Energy Summit is an international forum which brings forth vital discussions and challenges facing the energy, water and sustainable development sectors. He noted that the global energy consumption has doubled in the last four decades, and experts expect the numbers to double again by 2050. Coupled with the fact that more than1.3 billion people in the world are living without a source of electricity, half of them in Africa, the situation calls for concerted efforts to address this problem, which is impeding the march of progress in sisterly African nations.
In his speech, the Egyptian President also talked about the situation in the Arab world, and the rest of the world, referring to the growing phenomenon of terrorism, as he warned against false interpretations of the concepts of Islam, and denounced terrorism and acts that terrorise innocent citizens.
"Addressing these challenges requires a conscious partnership with the international community," he said. El Sisi also called for the revision of religious sermons to ensure they are free from misconceptions, and stressed the importance of improving the quality of education, and connecting education to the labour market. "Meeting these challenges requires us to redouble our efforts," he noted.
El-Sissi went on to say, "The largest proportion of refugees in the world come from our region, and the largest proportion of aid provided goes to us. Look after your nations, it is change not destruction that is needed," stressing that Egypt is ready to confront any threat to the security of the Gulf, adding that the Gulf region is a red line and an integral part of Egypt's national security.
In closing, the President extended his invitation to the Egypt Economic Forum, due to be held in March at Sharm Al Sheikh, where Egypt's economic vision and its unified regulations and investment opportunities will be shared with the global community. |
