MoE launches solar-powered water pump pilot project in RAK

The Ministry of Energy is partnering with the Ministry of Environment and Water to harness the solar power to run pumps of underground water wells. The pilot project was launched at the Ministry of Environment and Water's Al Hamraniya Experiments Station in Ras Al Khaimah using photovoltaics (PV) to pump 7,5 cubic metres of water per hour. The Ministry of Energy said in a press release today the project is in consistence with the UAE Vision 2021 towards developing non-oil sectors by using sustainable energy applications and underscores the ministry's strategy to diversify the mix of energy sources, mainly the renewable energy. The Ministry is urging farmers to introduce the technology in their farms to reduce costs of irrigation. Mattar Al Neyadi, Ministry of Energy Undersecretary, said the ministry is promoting adoption and deployment of renewable energy applications in different economic sectors. He added that the ministry was working with other stakeholders to devise a national integrated energy strategy which envisages, among other goals, increase in use of renewable energy in the state.