Renewable energy expert to head Chevron Research Center at QSTP

Farshchi will be responsible for working with local organizations to identify and deploy sustainable energy technologies specifically suited to Middle East conditions.

Chevron is investing $20m over five years in the Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency, a collaborative partnership with QSTP that aims to spur the adoption of green technologies in Qatar.

Farshchi was previously a project engineer at Chevron Energy Solutions, headquartered in San Francisco, which has implemented hundreds of solar and energy-efficiency projects for customers and is one of the largest energy service companies in the United States.

The Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency, which is expected to open in October 2010, is designed to:
•Identify solar power, solar air conditioning and low-energy lighting technologies best suited for Qatar's climate;
•Provide training and internships for engineers, officials and students in sustainable energy; and
•Assist local authorities, property developers and architects to consider and implement green building technologies.

Visiting the science park for the first time last week, Farshchi said:

"I've been involved in sustainable energy for many years in the US and have seen the industry take off. Chevron alone has implemented more than $3bn of energy efficiency projects since 2002. Qatar's excellent education and research base, plus abundant sunshine, provide the opportunity to introduce green technologies that benefit this region."

Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of Qatar Science & Technology Park, said: "Creating a viable solar energy industry is an important goal for us in Qatar in order to meet the challenges of climate change facing our planet. Chevron's research centre at QSTP is a key part of our strategy, helping to develop technology that will demonstrate the real-world effectiveness of solar energy. I warmly welcome Mike to Doha and look forward to a successful partnership."

Carl Atallah, President of Chevron Qatar and Managing Director of the Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency, said: "By bringing Mike Farshchi, Chevron is demonstrating its strong commitment to Qatar. With his background at Chevron Energy Solutions Mike has direct experience in applying the latest green technologies to new and existing buildings, which will be very valuable in our work here with local partners. I am proud to welcome Mike to our rapidly growing Qatar team."