Heriot-Watt University Dubai team named YLIC finalist

A team consisting of Masters of Science Energy students from Heriot-Watt University's Dubai campus has been named one of three finalists for the Intersolar Middle East Young Leaders' Innovation Challenge (YLIC).

The competition consisted of using innovative renewable solutions to reduce energy consumption by at least 25 percent within university or government buildings built before 2000.

The Heriot-Watt University team devised a plan that would reduce energy use in a Dubai public library. Part of their proposal involved integrating solar energy in the building.

"For such a complex challenge and with a high calibre of competition, our selection in the top three demonstrates the impact our entrants have made on the judging panel," Mutasim Nour, the Heriot-Watt University Dubai's team lecturer and director of the campus MSc Energy Program, said. "The selection means we will win one of the three top prizes, and it is our aim to be the winners of the gold award."

In addition to Nour, the Herriot-Watt team is made up of students Raymond Anthony, Anto John and Kassey Karuna.

All of the top three teams will receive a commendation certificate from the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) and Intersolar, a trophy from UAE's Ministry of Energy, a six-week internship and a cash prize.

Their projects were showcased at the Intersolar Middle East event taking place Sept. 19-21.