Khalifa inaugurates ‘Shams 1’ in presence of Mohammed

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Shams 1 solar power station in Madinat Zayed, the Western Region today in presence of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Present at the inauguration ceremony of the Shams 1, the 100-MW concentrating solar power station which uses parabolic trough technology, was by Abu Dhabi Crown and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sheikhs, ministers and top government officials.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Khalifa highlighted that the project is considered a milestone achievement of UAE’s future vision to diversify its economy and energy sources. The grand project will provide clean electricity to approximately 20,000 homes.

UAE President expressed his pride in the Emirati work force that helped bring a project on this magnitude into reality and gain essential experience in the field of solar power station operation. ‘Gaining the experience and the know-how to produce energy from renewable sources locally adds value to our human development model,’ said Sheikh Khalifa.

Nestled between the waters of the Arabian Gulf and sands of Abu Dhabi's Western Region, the Shams 1 solar power station is the largest project of its kind in the world. Furthermore, it plays a key role in boosting UAE’s leadership in the renewable energy sector and a highlight in the country’s long-term energy strategy.

The inauguration ceremony kicked off with the rendition of the UAE national anthem followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Afterwards, Minister of State and Chief Executive Officer the Abu Dhabi future Energy Company ‘Masdar’ Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber delivered a keynote speech in which he stressed that the opening of Shams 1 reflects the status of the UAE as a leader in sustainability in the region. Al Jaber praised the relentless efforts and the wise leadership of the UAE and its aim to spur sustainable development and meet the aspirations of its citizens for further economic and social development.

Renowned Emirati poet Ahmed Al Mansouri recited a poem on the occasion followed by a video presentation in which people spoke of how the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan gave the Western Region special attention in terms of development.

Sheikh Khalifa then gave the go-ahead to start operations at the Shams 1 solar power station.