Masdar Institute relies on renewable energy to power its campus.

A 10MW solar photovoltaic  plant, whose 87,777 polycrystalline and thin-film modules occupy a 22-hectare site at the outer boundary of Masdar City, is the largest grid-connected solar plant in the Middle East.

Inaugurated in May 2009, the farm provides clean energy to the Masdar Institute Campus and Masdar’s temporary on-site offices, as well as some of the ongoing Masdar City construction activities.

Abu Dhabi-based Enviromena Power Systems, a leading developer of solar projects in the region, constructed the plant, whose energy is fed into the Abu Dhabi power grid.

A photovoltaic Roof Top PV array above the buildings also helps provide 30% of the base electrical load of the campus.

Raised above the laboratories and residential apartments, it also helps to provide additional shading to the streets and public realm, while at the same time reducing the amount of direct solar gain absorbed by the heavily insulated roofs.