Four UAE residents prepare for takeoff for a helicopter tour over Abu Dhabi to take a look at Masdar's energy projects. They were winners of a competition marking the recent launch of Shams 1, the world's largest concentrated solar power plant. — Courtesy photo Four UAE residents got a rare opportunity to witness the magnitude of Masdar's renewable energy and sustainability projects during a private helicopter tour over Abu Dhabi. The residents were winners of a competition marking the recent launch of Shams 1, the world's largest concentrated solar power plant. The tour first provided a bird's-eye view of the Shams 1 power project in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The 100-megawatt power plant generates enough energy to power 20,000 homes and displace 175,000 tons of water. The winners then flew back to Abu Dhabi and observed the progress at Masdar City, the growing, low-carbon sustainable urban development. “I took my daughter along because we share a passion for renewable energy and the environment,” said Ghassan Ali, a 56-year-old university instructor and one of the competition winners. “We support the work being undertaken by organizations like Masdar, so for us seeing Masdar City and Shams 1 from a helicopter has been an unforgettable experience.” Andy Staples, a 27-year-old architect said: “I have nothing but admiration for the work Masdar is doing to create a more sustainable future. I work in construction so I really appreciate what it takes to build projects of this scale. These projects are truly impressive. I also love helicopters so to combine the two was extra special.” —SG
