RTA embarks on advanced renewable energy technologies highlighted by solar power

Dubai (WAM): The Public Transport Agency of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is vigorously pursuing the use of advanced renewable energy technologies as part of its endeavours to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of migrating to the green economy and sustainable development in order to conserve the sources of energy, protect the environment and keep it clean and liveable. In this context, Dr. Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, reiterated RTA's assiduous endeavours to reduce the consumption of energy and use sustainable energy sources. "The Agency has recently carried out a series of experiments on the use of solar energy instead of conventional energy sources. The Green Bus model, which is fully illuminated by solar energy cells, is probably the best illustration of the ongoing researches aimed at protecting the environment and embracing the green economy as well as sustainable development concepts," said Al Ali. "The Agency embarked on the Green Bus experiment by the end of 2012 and the experiment is still in motion and is subject expansion to include larger numbers of the Agency's bus fleet. A team has been tasked to monitor this experiment, study results, assess points of strengths and weakness, and generalise the experiment in such a way rendering it a model to be emulated in the region. "The Public Transport Agency assigns special attention to experiments based on solar energy as a source of energy. The use of solar energy is currently being experimented to power monitors displaying real-time information fitted to bus passenger stations. The experiment was rolled out from bus passenger station at Al Ghubaiba. Approvals have been issued at the start of this year to transform and redesign Al Khawaneej Station to be a Model Green Station, and for this purpose specific programs are being developed for the station covering power consumption, the use of solar energy instead of the ordinary power supply, and the endorsement as well as the introduction of other environmental systems which are environment-friendly and fulfil the stipulations of sustainable development," explained Al Ali. "A number of projects based on solar power as a main source of power supply are currently being studied by the Energy Conservation Team of the Agency. The team is examining a host of initiatives including the use of solar cells to generate the power needed for the operation of bus screens and air-conditioned shelters, besides heating water using solar energy panels fitted to the buildings and premises of the Agency," continued the CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency. – Emirates News Agency, WAM