Abu Dhabi-UAE: 15 February 2015 – Members of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, look forward to a year of clean technology and sustainability exploration thanks to the continued support of the UAE leadership and other patrons of the program, including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
“Through Masdar Institute’s YFEL, promising young leaders are preparing to become tomorrow’s energy leaders. Contributions from supporters like ADNOC bolster our ability to drive innovation and capacity development in line with the UAE government’s vision, including the UAE National Innovation Strategy,” said Dr. Lamya N. Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute.
“Our wise Leadership has laid down the foundations for supporting and nurturing young people who are considered the decision-makers of tomorrow and we are confident our contribution to the YFEL will drive the annual program further and benefit a larger segment of the community”, said Mohammed S. Al Qubaisi, Director of Human Resources at ADNOC.
“In line with the UAE government’s vision ADNOC will continue to support and encourage all programs and initiatives that focus on clean energy, modern technologies and sustainability. It is part of our responsibility towards the community to support young talent and professionals to become tomorrow’s leaders of the energy and industry”, Al Qubaisi added.
ADNOC has been a generous supporter of YFEL since its inception in 2010. It is now a platinum-level sponsor of this unique outreach program, which serves to mentor future leaders in the fields of alternative energy by engaging them with political and industry leaders of today.
Masdar Institute debuted its 2015 YFEL members at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), which took place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in January.
“Because of the support from UAE leadership and other sponsors, including our platinum-level sponsor ADNOC, the YFEL program has grown significantly,” said Zainab Abdul Rahim Al Ali, YFEL Program Manager. “Thanks to our supporters, we will be able to start our year with a solid foundation, renewed efforts and fresh ideas, to provide our 2015 members with the learning opportunities needed to empower them to tackle our global energy challenges.”
YFEL members spend their year exploring the world’s biggest sustainability and energy challenges – energy efficiency and climate change. They are sent to global forums on energy sustainability, compete in case study analyses, and meet with leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to learn about the newest research and best-practices as well as the challenges in implementing real-world solutions to our global energy problems.
As some of the world’s most talented young minds, YFEL members work together to spearhead and develop innovative research projects throughout the year, tackling issues of sustainability, global energy and climate change. Many projects this year are geared towards spreading awareness of energy sustainability and environmental protection through interactive apps and educational campaigns.
Another YFEL project looks to develop activated carbon, which can remove impurities from the air, from date palm tree waste. A third project aims to generate up to 5 kW of energy – enough to power 20 households – through an artificial water vortex system that can be used for rural, off-grid areas.
