The world’s first attempt to create a zero-carbon, zero-waste city was officially launched today during Cityscape in Abu Dhabi.

The new six square kilometer energy, science and technology community will open in late 2009. The development is a unique, integrated “Green Community” in the heart of Abu Dhabi, which uses the traditional planning principals of a walled city, together with existing technologies to achieve a zero-carbon and zero-waste sustainable development.

The city will house the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the graduate science and research Institute currently 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 commercialize advanced energy technologies.

The city will also host Masdar’s offices, residential space for employees, as well as a science museum and edutainment facilities. Masdar CEO, Sultan Al Jaber explained, “There is nothing like this in the world. 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. It will be a living example of sustainable development that will position Abu Dhabi and Masdar at the forefront of intelligent resource utilization. It will combine the talent, expertise and resources to enable the technological breakthroughs necessary for truly sustainable development.”

Rooted in a zero carbon ambition, the city will be car free, powered by renewable energy with services digitally managed and providing real time information. With a maximum distance of 200m to the nearest transport link and amenities, the compact network of streets will encourage walking and is 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.

The city will provide up to 1,500 companies with an attractive package of incentives, including a one-stop-shop program of government services, transparent laws,100% foreign ownership, tax-free environment, intellectual property protection and proximity to nearby manufactures, suppliers and markets. Sultan Al Jaber said, “By attempting the first carbon neutral city in the world, Masdar is demonstrating its commitment to change the way the world understands energy and sustainable resource utilization. One day all cities will be built like this.”

For more information contact: Peter Nicholson at MASDAR +971 2 698 8000 pnicholson@masdar.ae http://www.masdar.ae

ABOUT MASDAR AND THE ABU DHABI FUTURE ENERGY COMPANY

The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC) is Abu Dhabi’s vision and investment in the future of energy and environmental sustainability — a private joint stock company established and wholly-owned by Mubadala Development Company. ADFEC drives the Masdar Initiative, a multi-billion dollar, multi-faceted response to the need for a global focus on the development of advanced energies and sustainability-related technologies.

Masdar is designed to ensure that Abu Dhabi grows its share of the global energy market by fostering the development and commercialization of advanced and innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies for a cleaner, safer environment and future. Masdar has partnered with the world’s most prominent companies, educational institutions and investment firms to lead and advance a global strategy of international knowledge and capability to change the way the world understands energy and create a historic, global shift to new energy sources and sustainable resource utilization. Masdar is comprised of six strategically designed and focused units:

1. MASDAR INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- in partnership with the MIT, will offer Masters and PhD programs in science and engineering focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.
2. MASDAR RESEARCH NETWORK- a unique collaborative network of world-class scientists and post-doctoral researchers linking the MASDAR Institute and seven leading global scientific research institutions in three continents.
3. INNOVATION & INVESTMENT- the investment and commercialization vehicle for advanced energy and sustainability technologies.
4. SPECIAL PROJECTS- develops capital-intensive projects including large-scale manufacturing and deployment of new energy technologies and systems.
5. CARBON MANAGEMENT- spearheads the development of multi-sector greenhouse gas reduction projects.
6. MASDAR ZONE DEVELOPMENT- a unique, integrated “Green Community” in the heart of Abu Dhabi hosting Masdar and a carefully selected pool of international tenants who will invest, develop, and commercialize advanced energy technologies.