After watching a sobering documentary about global warming, Hashim Al Sada has devoted his career to developing solar powered solutions for Qatar.
If you can’t beat ’em, do you join ’em or redirect the game? Qatari desert camps are often equipped with a variety of electronics, including refrigerators, air-conditioning units (check out these Dead Sea inspired Advantix Systems), and televisions powered by diesel generators. (Berbers in the Sahara also rely on diesel generators to pump water). Rather than dismissing these trappings and the pollution generated to maintain them, the 26 year old Qatari inventor Hashim Al Sada created a clean energy alternative that will allow his fellow Qataris to enjoy these full-luxury “camping” trips without the attendant environmental destruction.
Antidote to global warming
During his college years, Al Sada was inspired by a documentary about global warming to focus on a solar-powered generator for his final project.
After testing 65 different solar panels, this young visionary chose the one that is best equipped to handle Qatar’s specific climate. His 60 kw prototype that can be mounted on the tents’ roofs is lighweight, cheap, and compact, according to Trust.org, and has been tested in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq and Libya.
High-end solar-powered camps
Without any of the carbon emissions associated with diesel generators, Al Sada’s invention can power high end desert camps – complete with air conditioning, refrigerators and television – for up to 50 people.
He also believes that his model can be scaled up to provide solar energy for small homes and villages throughout the Arab world.
Wealth is a barrier to invention
Al Sada explained to Trust.org that Qatari wealth is a barrier to invention, since most people are more inclined to buy solutions to their socio-economic problems than develop their own. He is trying to change that.
In addition to pursuing his own ideas, he helps to run a camp for the Qatar Scientific Club sponsored by the Qatari government. Each year 1200 students from 40 different nationalities learn about music, ecology, robotics and animation.
Role model
A wonderful role model, the inventor told Trust:
“My main emphasis is on teaching them to do things themselves, and to tell them about renewable energy and recycling,” adding that “We often talk about global warming and climate change and they teach me many new things as well. It’s good to learn from our children.”
Per capita, Qatar nationals consume more energy than any other country in the world. Much of that energy is spent on producing clean water. Unlike its vast solar resources, neither the country’s oil or natural gas reserves are infinite or renewable.
Al Sada has a dream: before he dies, he hopes to see solar-powered smart houses and a solar farm in Qatar, something that he believes could be catalyzed if the controversial World Cup 2022 project is successful.
:: Trust.org
More on solar energy projects in Qatar:
Qatar Accused of Bribing Their Way to Solar-Powered World Cup 2022
SLIDESHOW: Entries for Qatar’s 2022 Stadiums
World Cup 2022: Is Qatar Too Hot To Bid?
image via Qatar Foundation
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
Sir ,
I am a physics teacher living in Bucharest Romania . After 29 year professionally experience , I invented a kind of solar engine (mechanic ), about 15 % efficenty maybe more . I registered it at The National Inventions Office . If there is someone interested in something like this , I am ready to cooperate .
Yours , O. Radu
We are Fairyland Solar Lights LLC an Abu Dhabi Based Company focusing Renewable, solar energy LED lighting solutions business. We offer wide range of products and service. Solar Home systems, Solar water heaters,Solar street landscaping garden lights, solar swimming pool heating system, new technology innovative products and service.
as salaamu alaykum,
Brother Hashim, may Allah ta ala reward you for your efforts and allow your dream to come true. Please go to our website http://www.energime.com and review the EISTEP platform. I think that you will find the this system as well as our waste 2 energy system is a perfect complement to your aspirations. Currently in West Africa we are developing Waste 2 Energy plants that will turn Ghana’s waste into renewable energy that will generate upwards of 1 Billion dollars USD in annual sales.
The Algea systems (which will generate over 5 times as much energy as the initial Waste 2 Energy plant)and the EISTEP platform will be implemented in year two of operation of the Waste 2 Energy plant as additional income streams to the projects. Energime’s philosophy is to protect the Environment first, to empower the people it serves and to make money in that process.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions and or concerns and I look forward to hearing from you soon. May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our supplications during this Blessed month of Ranadhan, amin
as salaamu alaykum,
Brother Hashim, may Allah ta ala reward you for your efforts and allow your dream to come true. Please go to our website http://www.energime.com and review the EISTEP platform. I think that you will find the this system as well as our waste 2 energy system is a perfect complement to your aspirations. Currently in West Africa we are developing Waste 2 Energy plants that will turn Ghana’s waste into renewable energy that will generate upwards of 1 Billion dollars USD in annual sales.
The Algea systems (which will generate over 5 times as much energy as the initial Waste 2 Energy plant)and the EISTEP platform will be implemented in year two of operation of the Waste 2 Energy plant as additional income streams to the projects. Energime’s philosophy is to protect the Environment first, to empower the people it serves and to make money in that process.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions and or concerns and I look forward to hearing from you soon. May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our supplications during this Blesses month of Ranadhan, amin