Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City is about to launch the world's first solar project that can provide viable volumes of continuous water supply from a sustainable source. As per official reports, the pilot project will be operated by AQUOVUM, a US-based water technology company, in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Masdar Institute as part of a three-party research and development agreement.

The project, which is expected to commence this month, will assess the performance of AQUOVUM's large-format AWG (Atmospheric Water Generation) technology in combination with a renewable energy source and its ability to be included in current and future sustainable water projects.

Notably, the AWG technology, which uses renewable energy to capture water from the atmosphere, is a noteworthy addition to Abu Dhabi's Masdar City R&D hub's pioneering sustainability-focused ventures.

The carbon-free technology will provide access to clean water, a key component of a greener future, while also striving to promote the UNSDG 6 (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal) of ensuring the availability and long-term management of water and sanitation for all.

Abdulla Balalaa, Exec. Director, Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar City, commented on the launch that “water is very important among all aspects of human and environmental health and food and energy production”.

“It is consequently critical to develop systems that protect and ensure a steady and secure supply of water. The AQUOVUM pilot will be put at the Masdar Institute Solar Platform at Khalifa University in Masdar City and will run entirely on renewable energy”.

“The project will contribute towards regional and global water security in tandem with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036”, Mr. Balalaa added.

According to a press release, the green power required for this project will be supplied by Azelio AB,  provider of 24/7 electrical, thermal energy storage/Stirling pilot, situated at the Masdar Institute Solar Podium.

Source Credit - https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/energy/uae-worlds-first-solar-project-to-extract-water-from-air-at-masdar