UAE, Switzerland sign energy pact

Abu Dhabi, Jan 21, 2009 (WAM) - Emirati and Swiss students will work together in a renewable energy research initiative, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the two countries on Monday, Switzerland Ambassador told Gulf News on Tuesday.
"The MoU was signed by Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd - Minister of Environment and Water and Moritz Leuenberger, Swiss Minister for Environment, Energy and Transport, in Abu Dhabi," said Wolfgang Amadeus Bruelhart, the ambassador.
"The major feature of the MoU is the cooperation in the research of renewable energy. Student exchange programmes will be the major step to enhance the cooperation in the research," he said. The research on energy supplies, environment, energy efficiency and sustainable energy sources will also be developed as per the MoU, Bruelhart added.
The agreement is a stepping stone for Swiss investment in the UAE energy sector, Moritz Leuenberger told Gulf News in an interview, during his official visit to Abu Dhabi with a delegation. "There are several Swiss energy technology companies in our delegation and all of them are keen to invest in Masdar, the zero carbon city developed by Abu Dhabi Government."
Asked about Swiss investment in Masdar, he said it will be mainly private.
"However as a government, we are providing support by contemplating moving the Swiss Embassy and residence to Masdar City."
Several Swiss public research institutes, including two Federal Institutes of Technology are associated with Masdar, said the minister.
"Although Masdar is our most important project, Swiss companies have other projects also outside Masdar," he added.