Qatar University (QU), Hitachi Ltd and Hitachi Plant Qatar signed a comprehensive university-industry agreement on November 6 to collaborate on environmental and energy efficiency technologies in the area of infrastructure systems.
The agreement was signed by QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad, Hitachi President and CEO of Infrastructure Systems Company Mr Kunizo Sakai, and Hitachi Plant Qatar CEO Mr Hideyuki Ariyasu at Hitachi headquarters in Japan.
The three parties agreed to collaborate on the review and selection of research and development (R&D) themes concerning advanced technologies that are suited to the environment and the needs of Qatar and the Middle East region over the next three years. They will conduct technology development, field trials and other activities based on selected R&D themes in order to put the resulting technologies into use in the Middle East as early as possible. As the first activity, collaborative R&D concerning energy-efficient air conditioning system technologies will be initiated from the beginning of 2015.
The agreement is guided by the objectives outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 by which Qatar is seeking to spur further economic development towards achieving a sustainable society. To address solutions to the country’s energy-related issues, the three parties will review and select joint R&D themes primarily in three fields: energy-efficient air conditioning, water treatment and recycling, and energy efficient management.
The framework of the agreement also includes interaction and exchanges whereby QU students and Hitachi engineers will participate in internship and other activities.
Prof Al Misnad said: “Qatar University is pleased to work with Hitachi through this collaboration on contributing to energy efficiency and water conservation strategies in Qatar. The partnership will serve a wide range of ongoing and planned development projects in Qatar, and as such is very much in line with QU’s commitment to addressing national priorities while offering opportunities for students to gain knowledge, experience and skills that empower them to drive the country’s development and progress in the future”.
Mr Sakai said: “Hitachi is honored to enter into this comprehensive industry-university collaboration agreement with Qatar University, which is conducting a host of innovative initiatives in Qatar. Besides making effective use of the joint research achievements, we intend to demonstrate the collective capabilities of the Hitachi Group in order to develop business activities closely tied to customers and the region as One Hitachi. In doing so, we aim to contribute to the development of Qatar and the larger Middle East region”. Press Release
