Qatar- New research zone established at QF to support sustainability vision

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) A new solar research zone at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Qatar Foundation's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, is one of several projects getting off the ground around the country, in an effort to promote sustainable energy.
Since mid-June, and continuing over a two-month period, Total's Gas, Renewables & Power branch — and specifically its Paris-based T-lab — has expanded its solar research zone at QEERI's Outdoor Test Facility. 
The extension, featuring three trackers, bifacial modules, inverters, sensors and power optimisers, looks to improve the performance of Total's photovoltaic components in desert conditions. The zone will also monitor performance in real time and validate the results through simulation tools.
The project is part of not just Qatar's vision, but Total's increasing move into sustainable energy. The company aims to reach zero carbon emissions within their operations by 2050, and is therefore investing highly in low-carbon solutions.
In addition to the solar research zone at QEERI, Qatar recently signed an agreement with Total, alongside Japan's Marubeni, to build a solar power plant that will be capable of producing 800 megawatts meeting 10 percent of Qatar's peak electricity demand.
'Total aims to develop and commercialize new low-carbon solutions to provide sustainable energy for the future, said Yousef Al Jaber, Vice President of Innovation and Change Management at Total Qatar and Acting Director of Total Research Centre-Qatar, which is located in Qatar Foundation's Qatar Science & Technology Park. 
Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of QEERI, said the new solar research zone is in line with what he worked towards during his nine years at Total. The trained physicist was instrumental in Total's move into solar energy, and continues to promote sustainable energy at QEERI.
He said that solar photovoltaic energy conversion, which converts sunlight into electricity, is the most useful technology for the Middle East. Solar thermal energy which harnesses sunlight to transform it into heat — is less appealing to desert environments, where solar irradiance is significantly different from other regions. Solar energy is also, according to Dr. Vermeersch, an inexpensive energy source.
It's a message that is becoming increasingly louder, especially as Qatar moves into the limelight as host of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. With a global focus on sustainable energy and Qatar's exceptional sun exposure, experts believe the country can't afford not to move towards solar energy innovations.
'It's the right time, said Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega, the Director of the Centre for Energy & Climate at the French Institute of International Relations in Paris. 'All stars are aligned for this type of project to take off.
'Choosing to work with France's Total was also a natural choice for Qatar, which already shares a close relationship with France through political support, cultural ties and joint investments. 
But while the Middle East has the most potential for solar deployment, due to its natural environment, installation capacities are moving at a slower rate than in Europe or the US. Countries like Qatar are quickly realizing that solar is the future, said Eyl-Mazzega, not just for environmental reasons but for economic and political ones as well.
'Total's solar testing facility at QEERI reduces carbon emissions, whilst supporting Qatar in developing leading-edge technologies and inspiring future engineers to work on more sustainable solutions, said Total's Al Jaber. 
 

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