Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has launched a pilot project to provide advanced technological solutions for the supply of greener and more sustainable solutions to commercial farms in Qatar.

As part of the initiative, QEERI has partnered with a farm that is located to the south-west of Doha. The project aims to build an integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system to supply the required electrical energy to the farm for irrigation, lighting and cooling.

The first phase of the program saw the installation of 120 solar panels, which will produce 30 kilowatts of electricity, while ensuring that energy requirements are met in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Dr. Marc Vermeersch, executive director of QEERI, said: “Qatar has an abundant supply of solar energy and, as a research institute with a national mandate, QEERI is focused on enabling the nation to harness its sustainable energy resources for various purposes, including industry, agriculture and households. With this pilot project, we hope to make a positive impact on this farm by building an energy system powered by the sun.”

Salem Fahad Alahababi, the owner of the farm, said: “We are fortunate to have been selected by QEERI for the pilot phase of their project, which will change how farmers across the country use electricity on their farms. Using solar panels, we are able ensure the supply of sufficient energy to meet our needs, and minimize the impact on the environment. We look forward to assisting QEERI in developing optimum energy solutions for agriculture in Qatar.”

QEERI is committed to providing tangible solutions to Qatar’s energy, water and environmental challenges. Its scientists will continue to build on the partnership to test the technologies for use on desert farms, which will in turn support Qatar’s food security goals.