UAE Says Will Start Building First Net Zero Energy Mosque in 2024

DUBAI (IQNA) – Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City has announced plans to build what it described as the region's first mosque that will produce as much energy as it consumes over a year.

The mosque, which will cover 2,349 square meters and accommodate 1,300 worshippers, will use 1,590 square meters of solar panels to generate its own electricity, according to Emirati media outlets.

It will also reduce its energy needs by 35% compared to international standards by using passive design, an architectural approach that adapts to environmental conditions, Masdar City said in a statement.

The mosque will break ground in 2024 and its completion date will be announced later, the statement added.

Mohamed Al Breiki, the executive director of sustainable development at Masdar City, said the mosque will be more than a place of worship, but also a cultural, spiritual, and environmental landmark.

The mosque's main structure will be made mostly of rammed earth, a natural material that provides insulation and a sense of place. The roof will have a series of windows that will create natural light patterns and ventilation, making air conditioning optional in the winter months.

The mosque will also have outdoor colonnades that will offer shade and transition from the outside to the sacred inner space, Masdar City said.

Lutz Wilgen, Masdar City's head of design, said the rammed earth and the windows will help inspire wonder and reverence for worshippers, while also being cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Source: Agencies