Initiated earlier this year, the review process was intended to update the master plan and take into account market and technology developments since the original strategy for Masdar City was developed in 2006. In particular, the review sought to capture the knowledge gained through three years of construction and completion of Masdar City’s first building as well as take into account changing market conditions and the evolution of technology.

Masdar’s review of the City’s Master Plan detailed key updates to the project’s build-out timeline, sourcing of renewable power and transportation and building infrastructure. Key revisions include:

• Limiting of the Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) system to an ongoing pilot project within the Masdar Institute facilities, while allowing for the possibility of alternative electric vehicle technologies and transport system to be rolled out in the City;
• Limiting the 7.5m podium and service trench to the Masdar Institute;
• Revised delivery timeline, with the one million square meter Phase 1 now scheduled for completion in 2015 and final build-out by 2020-2025;
• The exploration of new potential sources of power – such as geothermal energy and solar thermal cooling – with a number of pilot projects already underway;
• While still aiming to eventually be powered 100% by renewable energy, Masdar City will no longer rely solely on on-site clean energy sources. Instead, the purchase of renewable energy from off-site locations may also be utilised as energy demands increase over the project’s lifetime.

Alan Frost, Director of Masdar City, said, “By its very nature, research is discovery. As Masdar City moves forward over time, many new discoveries will shape the future direction of our journey. The effective capture and implementation of this knowledge, built on our experiences, will prove to be key to our long-term success."