Media

TAQA starts pilot for solar cooling technology in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) and Chromasun Inc. (Chromasun), the California-based solar panel manufacturer, have begun a pilot project for roof-top solar air-conditioning in Abu Dhabi.TAQA installed 27 Chromasun Micro-Concentrator (MCT) solar panels on the rooftop of Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (TRANSCO) in Abu Dhabi on 13 January 2013. The concentrated solar panels will provide clean renewable solar energy to the building’s air-conditioning system during peak demand hours. The Chromasun MCT technology is designed specifically for rooftop application and operation in high temperatures and dusty conditions, producing more energy per unit of roof area than many other technologies.Dr Saif Al Sayari, TAQA’s Executive Officer and Head of the Energy Solutions division, commented: “We are delighted to see the Chromasun MCT technology being tested in the UAE. In addition to significant energy savings, roof top solar cooling technology has great potential for peak-shaving which will result in reduced emissions and better grid efficiency.”David Copestake, Managing Director of TRANSCO said: “We continuously seek ways to use advanced technology to achieve better efficiency in Abu Dhabi’s power generation networks so we are immensely proud and honoured to be participating in such an initiative.”TAQA is an investor in Chromasun and currently holds an 8% stake as part of its efforts to develop post-pilot phase alternative energy technologies with breakthrough potential. TAQA and Chromasun will test the technology during the next 16 months with the aim of proving its commercial viability.-ENDS-Contact Information for Media:Abu Dhabi
Taryam Al Subaihi
Head of External Relations 
Tel +971 2 691 4803
Mob + 97156 219 5195Allan Virtanen
Head of Media
Tel +971 2 691 4894
Mob +971 56 685 2717
Allan.Virtanen@taqa.comAbout TAQAEstablished in 2005, TAQA is a diversified international energy group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: TAQA).TAQA’s business is made up of three operating divisions spread across the entire energy value chain: power generation & water desalination; oil and gas exploration & production; and emerging & alternative energy technologies.Power & Water: TAQA is one the largest independent power producers in the world and the majority owner of the facilities that provide 98% of the water and electricity requirements in Abu Dhabi. TAQA’s power plants are located in the UAE, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, India, and USA.Oil & Gas: with operations in Canada, UK, the Netherlands, USA and Iraq, TAQA’s oil and gas business includes exploration and production, underground gas storage and pipeline transportation.Emerging & alternative energy technologies: TAQA Energy Solutions is dedicated to alternative and technology-driven energy initiatives for long-term efficient energy production and generation.  TAQA’s vision is to deliver ‘Energy for Growth’: growth within the business; social and economic progress in the communities where TAQA operates; and increased value for our shareholders. Over the past 40 years the UAE and Abu Dhabi have pursued a vision embodied by progressive development, investment and the highest global standards. TAQA is proud to align its strategy both domestically and globally to Abu Dhabi’s economic vision 2030, working towards sustainable economic development.  For more information about TAQA visit: www.taqa.com or Twitter: @TAQAGLOBAL