German technology giant Siemens and Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy initiative, have today formed a long term strategic partnership.

Siemens will implement a power grid combined with advanced building technologies in the first phase of Masdar City.

The two companies are also to collaborate on carbon capture and storage, which will involve research and development with the Masdar Institute. Siemens is to house its Middle East headquarters, a centre of excellence in building technologies and a leadership development centre in Masdar City.

The centre of excellence will begin research and development activities in Masdar City later this year.

“Masdar is a global pioneer in clean tech initiatives. We are proud to be the strategic partner for this groundbreaking project,” said Peter Löscher, president of Siemens. “It also highlights our strong relationship with Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.”

The research and development aspect of the partnership with the Masdar Institute is Siemens’ largest global investment of its kind with a science and technology organisation. It comprises a long term R&D program for smart grid, smart buildings, and carbon capture and storage and will manifest itself in grants, scholarships and educational programs for the advancement of the knowledge economy in the United Arab Emirates.