Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and Chromasun, a US-based solar panel manufacturer, have begun a pilot project for roof-top solar air-conditioning in Abu Dhabi.

Taqa installed 27 Chromasun micro-concentrator (MCT) solar panels on the rooftop of Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (Transco) in Abu Dhabi yesterday (January 13). The concentrated solar panels will provide clean renewable solar energy to the building’s air-conditioning system during peak demand hours.

The Chromasun MCT technology is designed specifically for rooftop application and operation in high temperatures and dusty conditions, producing more energy per unit of roof area than many other technologies.

Dr Saif Al Sayari, Taqa’s executive officer and head of the Energy Solutions division, said: “We are delighted to see the Chromasun MCT technology being tested in the UAE. In addition to significant energy savings, roof-top solar cooling technology has great potential for peak-shaving which will result in reduced emissions and better grid efficiency.”

David Copestake, managing director of Transco said: “We continuously seek ways to use advanced technology to achieve better efficiency in Abu Dhabi’s power generation networks so we are immensely proud and honoured to be participating in such an initiative.”

Taqa is an investor in Chromasun and currently holds an 8 per cent stake as part of its efforts to develop post-pilot phase alternative energy technologies with breakthrough potential.

Taqa and Chromasun will test the technology during the next 16 months with the aim of proving its commercial viability. – TradeArabia News Service