Chevron Corporation plans to commit $20 million over five years to form a partnership with the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha and establish a center of excellence in renewable power and energy efficiency.

The partnership with QSTP will create The Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency, which intends to focus on developing technologies in lighting and cooling that work effectively in the Middle East climate. The center, expected to open in late 2009, also anticipates conducting research in the development and application of renewable power, such as solar, and developing and training Qatari engineers, scientists and students to build expertise and capabilities within the country.

"Chevron believes that energy efficiency and conservation are the most immediate and cost-effective sources of new energy, and we are proud to work in partnership with Qatar to help achieve environmentally responsible development and economic diversification - two important elements of Qatar's National Vision," said Chevron Vice Chairman Peter Robertson. "By bringing Chevron's global expertise in energy efficiency and renewable power to this premier center for research, learning and entrepreneurship, we can identify specific energy technologies that work well in the region's desert climate and develop capabilities within the country that ultimately will benefit Qatar and the entire region."

Said H.E., Qatar's Deputy Premier & Minister of Energy and Industry, Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah: "I am very pleased to welcome Chevron's Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency to QSTP in Qatar, and we look forward to a long partnership with Chevron. Establishment of this Center greatly enhances our ability to utilize Chevron's expertise and leadership in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in the future, and for training Qatari engineers and scientists".

Dr. Tidu Maini, executive chairman of QSTP, added: "Finding smarter ways of using energy is no less important in Qatar than in the rest of the world. By taking a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to energy research, Chevron's QSTP center will help position Qatar at the forefront of environmental technologies globally."

Tags: Chevron Corporation