Masdar, City of the Future

The World Future Energy Summit begins in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. hosts the event and they will be unveiling a model of their Masdar Initiative on Monday. The Initiative's goal is to develop the world's first zero-waste, zero-pollution city. Masdar (which means "the source" in Arabic) is expected to break ground in February and take 10 years to complete. The 6 km square city will house 47,500 people, who are scheduled to start moving there in 2009.

Designer Foster and Partners envisions the city to be a model of sustainable architecture.

The first step toward reaching sustainability is procuring a clean energy source. Masdar will rely on a solar photo-voltaic power plant. Solar canopies will also permeate the city, providing both shade and power. Situated on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Masdar will take advantage of the cool sea breezes while a perimeter wall will keep the hot desert air at bay.
Transportation will consist of an electric light-rail system and legs, no cars will be allowed in the city. No point in the city will be more than 200 meters from a transportation link.

A newly designed desalination plant that is 80 percent more efficient than current plants will provide water for the city. Waste water will be recycled and used to grow plants that could be used for biofuels.
Masdar will be home to the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and backers hope to lure academics from around the world. They also hope to be a center for research facilities of clean tech companies.

[via CNET]