​Masdar and Red Crescent Sign Agreement to Provide Humanitarian Assistance with Renewable Energy

Masdar and the UAE Red Crescent Authority yesterday signed a framework agreement to develop renewable energy solutions that will provide humanitarian relief to people across the world who lack basic services, such as electricity and water. The ultimate goal of the agreement is to provide for the development, building and commissioning of several renewable energy projects, along with associated applications such as solar home systems, solar water pumping systems and solar desalination. The agreement also provides for Masdar to be appointed as the exclusive “Program Management Consultant” for renewable energy projects that will be deployed to regions where the Red Crescent already provides other forms of humanitarian assistance. 

Under the agreement, the Red Crescent Authority will deliver to Masdar a list of the projects, and will identify their potential end users. Masdar, in turn, will deploy its renewable energy solutions in all stages of the projects. 

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and  Dr. Mohammed Atiq Al Falahi, Secretary General of the UAE Red Crescent Authority. 

“The advancement of technology has always played a vital role in advancing societies and improving our standard of living,” said H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. “Today, the rapid development of renewable energy technology is creating new opportunities for how wind and solar power can be applied. For underserved communities, and countries facing economic uncertainty, delivering access to sustainable energy can be an economic boost and create a trajectory for progress.

“With more than a billion people worldwide who do not have access to electricity, renewable energy has the potential to deliver a tremendous economic and social impact,” added H.E. Dr. Al Jaber. “We are honored to be working with the UAE Red Crescent on such an important endeavor. Together, we will play a critical role in helping solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges and reinforce our country’s legacy and commitment to helping those in need.”

Access to energy is fundamental in supporting economic development and alleviating poverty.  Wind and solar energy can also help developing nations – and places which are experiencing immediate disaster – to deliver basic services and generate the electricity needed to power relief efforts.

“The world needs modern solutions to tackle its most complex problems,” said Dr. Al Falahi. “This cooperation underscores the growing role renewable energy can play in providing relief to underserved communities and establishing pathways for economic development. Together with Masdar, the Red Crescent is extending the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian aid to the countries that need it most.

“A humanitarian response can come in many forms,” added Dr. Al Falahi. “From promoting a culture of volunteerism to deploying clean technology, the UAE Red Crescent is committed and ready to deliver assistance when and where it is needed.”

The UAE’s legacy of delivering humanitarian aid and promoting sustainability was instilled by the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who founded the UAE Red Crescent Authority in 1983. He recognized the need to help countries in need and also stressed the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. The agreement between Masdar and the Red Crescent is a testament to his legacy and the country’s commitment to creating a better future.

Masdar is developing numerous other renewable energy projects to improve energy access in the developing world. Notable projects include:

• A15-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, which accounts for 10 percent of the country’s energy capacity;

• A project in Afghanistan will supply 600 residences with off-grid solar PV systems; 

• A 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic power plant on the island of Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga; and  

• A six-megawatt, eight-turbine wind farm in the Republic of Seychelles that accounts for 8 per cent of energy capacity in the country’s main island of Mahe.