Khalifa University launches world’s first solar-powered atmospheric water generator

Khalifa University launches world’s first solar-powered atmospheric water generator

, in partnership with UAE-based atmospheric water generator manufacturer Eshara Water, Swedish energy storage technology company Azelio AB and Masdar City, a sustainable development, has launched the world’s first atmospheric water generation system (AWG). This will be powered entirely by solar energy and electrical thermal energy storage. The technology produces drinking water straight from the air and can supply up to 1,000 litres per day per unit, with plans to increase capacity to 7,500 litres in the near future, reported state news agency, . The project combines AWG with solar power and two thermal energy storage power-on-demand systems for night clean electricity supply. Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive VP of Khalifa University, said that the collaboration is a region-relevant, community-specific, and sustainable research initiative, which offers expertise and infrastructure to facilitate research for clean production of water and power. “The outcome of this AWG project is expected to benefit distant or isolated off-grid regions that would otherwise have to depend on non-ecofriendly energy sources for their daily electricity and water requirements.” Dr Nicolas Calvet, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at Khalifa University, and founder and chair of Khalifa University’s Masdar Institute Solar Platform at Masdar City, said that Khalifa