World Class Solar Test Facility Inaugurated at QSTP

Doha, December 02 (QNA) - Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), GreenGulf Inc. and Chevron Qatar Ltd on Sunday inaugurated the first large-scale Solar Test Facility in Qatar. The launch of the Solar Test Facility coincides with the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18), currently being held in Doha. The inauguration of the Solar Test Facility today marks the initiation of its research activities, while the core activities of the project are expected to be concluded by 2015. The Solar Test Facility will also be able to assume an educational and capacity building role, as students at the universities of Qatar Foundation and Qatar University will have the opportunity to study and learn about solar technologies through ongoing training and internship programs. The Solar Test Facility is a result of collaboration between QSTP, GreenGulf and Chevron to test emerging solar technologies from around the world in order to identify those best suited to the climate of the Gulf region. The facility will investigate the effects of heat, humidity and dust on the performance of the solar equipment and address challenges such as the efficient use of water in cleaning solar systems. The 35,000 square meter facility located within QSTP will support the deployment of solar energy in Qatar and the region by generating data required to plan large scale solar power production facilities and other key applications such as solar cooling and solar desalination. Commenting on the inauguration of the Solar Test Facility, Dr Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of QSTP said, "Although our region is blessed with high exposure to the sun making it an obvious renewable source of energy, many specific challenges must be examined and addressed before we can take full advantage of this potential. We are confident that this unique testing facility will provide us with data that will be able to support further development in the field." The research and analysis conducted will enable QSTP, GreenGulf & Chevron to understand the technical and commercial issues of applying solar technologies for a variety of uses that currently require ample energy coming from non-renewable sources. Commenting on the partnership, Omran Hamad Al-Kuwari, CEO of GreenGulf said, "The region recognizes the need to diversify its energy production methods and identified solar as a viable complement to its oil and gas economy. QSTP's leadership, Chevron's expertise in the energy industry, coupled with GreenGulf's capabilities across the region, will make this a legacy project for the people of Qatar and the region. In addition, a key objective of this initiative is to develop Intellectual Property to support the capacity building of young Qatari engineers and scientists who are focused on sustainability issues for years to come." "Chevron is committed to helping meet the world's energy needs, and to protecting people and the environment. This project supports Qatar's goal for energy sustainability through research into solar power and energy efficiency technologies and reinforces our commitment to sustainable development. The knowledge gained from these tests should greatly assist the selection and deployment of solar technologies suited to Qatar s environment," said Carl Atallah, President, Chevron Qatar Ltd. (QNA)