Abu Dhabi to Have World’s First Zero-carbon City

Abu Dhabi will soon have the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste and multifaceted city powered by renewable energy resources.

According to WAM news agency, the multi-billion-dollar project to create an eco friendly city was officially launched Monday here.

Spread on an area of six square kilometres, the city - housing energy, science and technology communities and launched by Masdar and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC) - is expected to open in late 2009.

"It is a response to the need for a global focus on the development of advanced energies and sustainability-related technologies, said Sultan Al Jaber CEO Masdar.

The city will be an integrated green community in the heart of Abu Dhabi, using the traditional planning principals of a walled city, together with existing technologies to achieve a zero-carbon and zero-waste sustainable development, Jaber said.

"We are creating a synergetic environment, it is a true alternative energy cluster. Here you will find researchers, students, scientists, business investment professionals and policy makers all within the same community."

The city will house the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology - being established in cooperation with MIT, research facilities, world-class laboratories, commercial space for related-sector companies, light manufacturing facilities and a carefully selected pool of international tenants who will invest, develop and commercialise advanced energy technologies.

With a maximum distance of 200m to the nearest transport link and amenities, the compact network of streets will encourage walking and will be complemented by a personalised rapid transport system.

Shaded walkways and narrow streets will create a pedestrian friendly environment in the context of Abu Dhabi's extreme climate. Surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, enabling the city to be entirely self-sustaining.

Source-IANS
SRM