Alternative Energy Growing in the UAE, Says Enviromena

ABU DHABI - Interest in solar power systems has increased dramatically in the UAE over the last year, particularly with the large scale developers who have realised the need to go Green and will be implementing sustainable technologies in their upcoming projects, according to Sami Khoreibi, Chief Executive Officer of Enviromena, an Abu-Dhabi based firm in the solar power sector.

By T. Ramavarman

Published: Wed 14 Jan 2009, 1:06 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 9:36 PM

“The solar technology is particularly favoured for these applications is roof top and building integrated photovoltaic (electricity producing) systems, which form an aesthetic part of the building (such as canopies or shade structures) and contribute to the overall architecture of the building,” Sami Khoreibi, told Khaleej Times here.

Founded in October 2007 by Sami Khoreibi, Enviromena has grown to become the largest solar integrator in the MENA region. In just over a year of operations, the company has proven highly successful, securing a series of premier solar installation projects and attracting a broad base of leading international investors. With a team of talented solar experts from around the globe the company could growsix-fold in 2008. Enviromena has become one of the first Carbon Neutral companies in the UAE, and Sami Khoreibi was awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year” for 2008 at the Alternative Energy Awards.

“We are excited to see numerous alternative energy companies starting operations in the UAE as it indicates a strong growth industry. Currently, Enviromena is pleased to be the premier provider of solar power solutions in the region.” How can UAE justify its huge emphasis on solar energy when it has so much hydro-carbon reserveor what is that UAE can hope to achieve from its pursuit of alternative energy sources? To this he said, “Alternative energy is an excellent choice for economic diversification in the UAE, as the UAE is already an energy based economy with much of the expertise and infrastructure required to create an alternative energy centre of excellence. Abu Dhabi’s Masdar Initiative is an excellent example of this logical progression as it is creating an international hub for clean technologies.”

Asked what will be the contribution of solar energy in the future energy mix of different countries regions, he said, there are specific targets that different governments have for the implementation of solar energy into overall regional energy production portfolios.

The EU target is 20pc renewables by 2020 and the California target is 33pc renewables by 2020. Further, President Elect Barack Obama’s “New Energy Plan for

America

” proposes 10pc renewable energy by 2012 and 25pc renewable energy by 2025. Regionally, the Urban Planning Council in Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Green Building Council in Dubai have developed and are implementing world class green building codes through their respective Estidama and LEED standards.

On the availability of technologies in the sector he said there is a broad base of solar technologies available for use in the UAE and Middle East. The most effective is the commonly seen solar photovoltaic panels that convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity. In a sun rich region such as the UAE, solar technology is an extremely effective energy solution and can be implemented at the utility scale. As the largest provider of solar power solutions in the MENA region, Enviromena’s scope is the turnkey installation of these types of solar power systems, from design to installation to long-term operations.

Giving the details on the solar power generation levels he said the power produced by individual solar power systems varies substantially based on the system’s size and specifications.

“We hope to have over 11 megawatt (MW) of solar power production capacity installed across the region by the end of 2009.”

Asked about the impact of financial meltdown on the solar energy sector, he said Virtually all sectors of the economy have been hit by the recent financial crisis, and investment in Cleantech is no exception.

However, due to positive government initiatives, investors continue to recognise the growth potential globally and in the MENA region, and we expect to see steady continued investment in this sector. What are the company’sperformance levels, and how is itsfuture outlook? To this he said,“In just over one year of active operations, Enviromena has substantially exceeded growth and revenue targets. We have secured a series of high profile solar installation projects through 2009 and 2010 and look forward to continued growth as solar technologies are further implemented across the region.”