India's Prime Minister Modi Visits Masdar

Abu Dhabi, UAE: 18 August 2015 – The Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, and a delegation of senior government officials today visited Masdar.

The delegation also toured Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments, and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in a visit that underscores the UAE and India’s shared commitment to developing and adopting renewable energy and sustainable technology.

H.E. Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, accompanied Prime Minister Modi on the visit to Masdar. Dr Ahmed Belhoul, the CEO of Masdar, provided the delegation with an overview of Masdar’s clean energy projects, Masdar Institute’s cutting-edge research as well as Masdar City’s sustainably designed and energy efficient buildings.

Prime Minister Modi said: “My visit to Masdar has illuminated its approach to researching, developing and promoting renewables and sustainable development in a holistic way. Masdar has partnered on many ground-breaking renewable energy projects around the world, and through Masdar City, offers a compelling example as we look to develop our own smart cities throughout India.”

The Prime Minister visited Masdar as India plans a major expansion of its renewable energy capacity to approximately 20 percent by 2022, or 175GW, in an effort to meet the country’s rising energy demand with fewer emissions. Prime Minister Modi has also recently proposed construction of 100 smart cities, emphasising energy efficiency, responsible land use, and more sustainable lifestyles.

Dr Belhoul said: “Prime Minister Modi’s visit reinforces the leading role that Masdar is playing in helping catalyse new renewable energy development throughout the region and the world. India’s ambitious goal for expanding its renewable energy capacity is positive news for the global industry and will drive innovation and further reduce costs.”

“We hope that India can draw inspiration from our experience building Masdar City, a sustainable, low-carbon urban development, which will contribute to the country’s success as it pursues its smart cities initiative,” added Dr Belhoul.

During the visit, Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, gave Prime Minister Modi a tour of the Institute’s laboratories and research facilities. The Masdar Institute is a graduate-level, research-led university focused on alternative energy and sustainable technology.

Following the tour, Prime Minister Modi attended discussions between the high-level delegation of Indian trade officials and senior UAE Government representatives focusing on energy, trade and investment.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years.