Solar discussion

Mulk Holdings' Khurram Nawab and Eurostar's Jit Chakravarty explain how their products reduce household energy consumption.

How does your company contribute to building sustainability?

Khurram Nawab, Mulk Holdings, managing director answers We offer a product called Suntrof. This harnesses solar energy and converts it into thermal energy to generate electricity. The whole structure is recyclable. In 2008 we built the prototype in the US and last year we built the commercial-sized trough in Sharjah and began to construct our solar demo plant. We will unveil it in March.

Jit Chakravarty, Eurostar Solar Energy, divisional manager - solar technical and business development answers We provide turbo systems, which heat water using less energy. We also provide photovoltaic (PV) technology, which generate electricity. The electricity is stored and recycled. Our solar thermal systems also reduce commercial and household carbon emissions.

How do you plan to improve energy efficiency this year?

Khurram Nawab We have close to around 600MW of power project contracts, which have been signed in the US, Morocco, Qatar and India. These projects are at design stage and will be implemented in 2011.

Jit Chakravarty We are hoping the Abu Dhabi government will provide grid connectivity so we can connect PV panels to the grid. The grid connected systems can offset your total power consumption. It is possible to halve your energy bill by generating your own solar power.

What are the current green building trends?

Khurram Nawab People are focusing on solar trough technology right now. They are investing heavily in this. But, whatever green technologies are used, they will help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to sustainability.

Jit Chakravarty Building integrated photovoltaic technology is very popular and if the plans for grid connected solar PV come through, then your entire building can generate power. Another trend is passive solar architecture, where a building is designed to use less energy.

Will the Middle East follow Copenhagen’s plans to become carbon neutral?

Khurram Nawab Possibly. If technology advancements using renewable energy become viable, then almost 30% to 40% of power, which is generated by burning oil, will be knocked out. This will lead to reduced carbon emissions.

Jit Chakravarty Yes. Masdar City is obviously planning to become carbon neutral and a lot of awareness is being raised about green building in the GCC. The next best thing to sustain the economy will be renewable energy.

How can the construction industry make existing buildings more sustainable?

Khurram Nawab Mulk Holdings is into the façade business and we offer energy saving systems. We also provide PV panels, which can provide some power to a building. We have a design where you can retro-fit the system into existing buildings.

Jit Chakravarty You can incorporate double glazing windows and insulation, which help keep a building cool by preventing outside hot air from getting in. You can also implement energy efficient lighting and motion sensors, which control when lights are switched on and off.

How can people be encouraged to invest in green solutions?

Khurram Nawab People all over the world are talking about the environment. There a lot of projects where developers have said they want to put 30% of their investment into green building, but banks are not ready to provide the funding.

Jit Chakravarty Compulsory regulations have to come from government, because some companies aren’t investing in sustainable building due to high short-term costs. People also need incentives to be persuaded to invest in green building; they need to see the financial benefits.