Sharjah to open new weather station

New bureau to support studies for the emirate's green energy plans

Khorfakkan, Sharjah, on an overcast day. The emirate is establishing a weather station in co-operation with a Dutch company. Reem Mohammed / The National

Sharjah will set up an advanced weather station to collect data, develop a climate information base and host green energy projects.

On Saturday, Sharjah Electricity Water and Gas Authority signed an agreement with the Dutch Bundera Consult Company to establish the station in the central region of the emirate.

The bureau will also be involved in the emirate's strategy to explore wind and solar energy projects.

Saeed Al Suwaidi, Sewa chairman, said the decision was taken to find solutions to meet the increased energy needs of the emirate.

He said it was part of the vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah's Ruler, to find technology solutions to improve energy efficiency.

Eric Ernst, director of the Dutch company, spoke of plans to build a modern weather station equipped with advanced data monitoring devices.

Hamad Al Tunaiji, director of Sewa's energy transmission department, said the bureau would carry out studies before starting several alternative energy projects.

Construction details for the project were not disclosed.

The UAE's main National Centre of Meteorology is located in Abu Dhabi and was established in 2007 by President Sheikh Khalifa.