Programme to promote solar technology in schools

Abu Dhabi: A private school has launched a solar energy project with the support of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) for schools in the emirate to promote and develop the use of alternative sources of energy.

The World of Solar Learning and Experience programme, which aims at bringing solar technology into UAE schools, was officially launched by Emirates National School at a ceremony held at Abu Dhabi Hilton on Sunday.

As part of the project, Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, inaugurated an outdoor and indoor exhibition on solar technology at the school premises on Monday.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Majid Al Mansouri, EAD Secretary-General, Oliver Owcza, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, and other ministry and EAD officials.

According to EAD, this programme is a joint venture between the UAE and Germany.

The UAE is represented by Emirates National School and the environment agency, while Germany is represented by Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena).

Opportunities

"The programme will offer exciting opportunities to students in Abu Dhabi to learn about various cutting-edge solar techniques and their intriguing applications in the home and business, hence substantially increasing their awareness of this future technology," said Al Mansouri.

He further explained, "The use of solar energy is becoming of great interest all around the world. Also, research on how to utilise this new source of energy is continuously on the rise. This is a great opportunity for Abu Dhabi's students to be exposed to such a fascinating topic.

"They will get acquainted with all aspects of advanced solar technology in its current and future applications at home and within the society with consideration to the UAE's conditions and needs. The programme will be provided to students aged 9-11 with several modules given according to their age."

Al Mansouri noted that a pilot project was already initiated with Emirates National School in the academic year 2006-2007. The pilot project will be evaluated in order to implement the project in other government and private schools throughout Abu Dhabi.