Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has ranked Masdar Institute among the top 12 finalists in the sixth edition of its globally-renowned, annual ‘Go Green in the City’ student competition.

Launched in 2011, Go Green in the City is a platform that invites business and engineering students (second-year undergraduate or higher) to develop innovative energy management ideas for smarter cities.

As their response to the 2016 challenge, Masdar Institute students Arslan Anjum and Hiba Riaz, both pursuing an MSc in Microsystems Engineering, proposed a concept to utilise solar energy, through heavy-duty glass solar panel installations on sidewalks and bicycle tracks, said a statement from the company.

The project highlights that energy generated through this approach can be fed back into the city grid, and leveraged to charge electric cars and provide a sustainable distribution of power. The team was mentored by Fadi Halawi, tendering team leader for major projects at Schneider Electric.

Benoit Dubarle, president – Gulf Countries, Pakistan and East Mediterranean, Schneider Electric, said: “The GCC, and the world at large, urgently require innovative solutions to help us address the energy challenge in a mindful way.”

“For our future generations to live in a green ecosystem, we must invest in technology and implement it creatively. The integration of these two factors will help achieve a lasting environmental impact in the years to come,” he said.

“Schneider Electric is committed to this goal, and has provided a global platform where young minds can come together to find answers and in the process, exchange know-how,” he added.

Dr Abdullah Al Hefeiti, acting dean of students and dean of library at Masdar Institute, said: “We are proud of our students who have been selected as finalists for this exciting and challenging competition.”

“Contests like ‘Go Green in the City’ help to highlight the importance of energy management and sustainable urban systems for a sustainable future, which is at the core of our institute’s objectives,” he said.

The submissions for the 2016 edition of the Go Green in the City challenge came from 1,183 teams across 182 countries. The top 100 semi-finalists announced in May included 20 teams (from a total of 102 entries) from the MEA region – including the UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Morroco and Ghana - accounting for the second largest pool of regional representation in the second round of the competition, said a statement.

Masdar Institute is competing against student teams from leading universities in Germany, Azerbaijan, China, India, Kenya, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Brazil for the top prize.

Sevda Esenturk, vice president of human resources - Gulf Countries and Pakistan, Schneider Electric, said: “We are proud of our institute’s achievement in this global challenge. This is the first time a participating team from the Middle East has reached the finals – that in itself is a big milestone for us.”

“It also signals that the region’s efforts in diversifying the national economy and building a knowledge-based ecosystem are on the right track,” he said.

“The team’s SolarWay project was developed over several months, and demonstrates much-needed innovation and creativity in the region,” he concluded.

The final stage of the competition will be held in Paris, France, from September 19 to 22, with the 12 contenders invited to an all-expense paid trip, it said.

The four-day finale will include business workshops, networking events, city tours and the main presentations. Students will also have the opportunity to network with Schneider Electric’s top management and learn about the industry from experts.

The 2016 winner will earn a chance to visit Schneider Electric’s global business hubs and explore opportunities to kick start their careers with the global energy leader, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service