TAQA unveils university teams ahead of first hybrid-electric car race in GCC

Abu Dhabi: TAQA, the international energy company based in Abu Dhabi, yesterday unveiled the 2014 TAQA Hybrid-Electric Challenge teams and cars at a media event held at The Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. TAQA is bringing the region's first hybrid-electric car race to Abu Dhabi, for engineering students from across the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, in coordination with its strategic partner, The Petroleum Institute (PI), a University and Research Centre. The event is founded by US-based Global EEE, a non-profit organisation that promotes education, energy efficiency and environmental consciousness. A total 120 men and women in 11 teams have been drawn from The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, Khalifa University and the Masdar Institute, all in Abu Dhabi, the Nizwa College of Technology in Oman, the College of Technological Studies, Kuwait, and Qatar University. The challenge will be held at Abu Dhabi's Al Forsan Sports Resort racetrack from 29th - 31st January and will be hosted by The Petroleum Institute University and Research Centre, supported by the Emirates Foundation. Dr. Saif Al Sayari, TAQA's Executive Officer and Head of Energy Solutions, said, "The next generation of engineers will play a critical role in developing a sustainable economy for the UAE and the region. This event gives engineering students the opportunity to try out what they have learned in the classroom in a competitive environment. TAQA is committed to supporting young engineers from the GCC and encouraging the development of alternative energy technologies." One of the competitors in the race, Ruqaya Al Noammani, a student of Mechanical Engineering, at PI said, "Obviously, bringing this competition to Abu Dhabi reinforces the UAE's image as a developed country and highlights its efforts to diversify energy resources. But more importantly for us on the team, the competition gives us the chance to try out what we have learned in the classroom, and put it to work, as a team. "It is also an opportunity to prove that the Emirati woman is capable of achieving excellence in all fields, and to play a vital role in the development of our country. We are all extremely eager to see the fruit of our hard work become reality, and of course, to be winners in the race!" The teams, consisting of drivers and technicians, will race single-person, lightweight, hybrid vehicles built to stringent race design and safety rules. The teams have received car kits and are currently working in teams to engineer, build and fine-tune the vehicles for the event with the aim of developing faster and more energy efficient vehicles. - Emirates News Agency, WAM