Shams Power Company, the entity responsible for developing the 100MW Shams One concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in Abu Dhabi, has appointed Yousif Ahmed Al-Ali, an Emirati national, as its new general manager.

Shams is a special purpose vehicle 60 per cent owned by Masdar, 20 per cent by Total and the rest owned by Abengoa.

In his role, Al-Ali will be responsible for directing, managing and coordinating all development and operational activities related to the CSP plant.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Masdar managing director and CEO, said Masdar was mandated to support the Abu Dhabi government’s objective of progressing towards a knowledge-based sustainable economy.

"The development of human capital is ensured through our various research and training initiatives, which continue to develop Emirati talent in the field of renewable and sustainable energy."

“Yousif has contributed greatly to Masdar since joining us in 2007. His unique knowledge of solar power plant initiatives and his deep understanding of our industry will be invaluable to his new role,” he added.

With over nine years of experience in renewable energy and petrochemical industry, Al-Ali began his career with Masdar in 2007 as project manager in Masdar Power.

Throughout his career with the renewable energy company, Al-Ali worked on several renewable energy and emission reduction projects including Torresol Energy, which delivered three concentrated solar power plants namely Gemasolar, Valle 1 and Valle 2 with a total capacity of 120MW.

He joined Masdar from Adnoc Group of Companies where he spent over four years working as a Plant Engineer for Abu Dhabi Polymers Company.

Al-Ali earned an MBA from the IE Business School in Madrid and a BA in Chemical Engineering from UAE University. He is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP).-TradeArabia News Service