Abu Dhabi to collaborate with US based EPRI on research

EPRI to provide objective and technical information on trading and competition policy and renewables

 Abu Dhabi to collaborate with US based EPRI on research and innovation. Victor Besa / The National.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Energy (DoE) on Tuesday has agreed a collaboration with the US-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to strengthen its research and development capabilities and improve its policy analysis.

“The new collaboration is in line with DoE’s strategic goal of setting foundations for sectoral development to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s energy transition,” a statement from Abu Dhabi's Department of Energy said.

“It also underscores DoE’s position as an enabler of national strategies to transform the emirate’s energy sector into a secure, reliable system that supports socio-economic growth and environmental sustainability.”

EPRI is expected to provide objective and technical information on market design, trading and competition policy, renewables and energy mix policies, system integration, industry outlook data and end-use efficiency, among others.

“The relationship with EPRI presents a powerful platform for us to significantly expand our research and development capability and extend it to our sectoral partners and stakeholders,” said Mohamed Bin Jarsh Alfalasi, undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.

Abu Dhabi is focusing on developing its renewable energy sector and is building world’s largest single solar site solar plant at Al Dhafra as it aims to generate 7 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2020.

"EPRI’s global expertise in the areas of innovative power generation technologies, grid modernisation, new energy resource integration, and environmental stewardship will strengthen DoE’s capabilities in delivering safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Abu Dhabi,” said EPRI's president and chief executive, Mike Howard.