Now we’ll give you a glimpse of what the next eco-centric city might look like, and you’ll find it, of all places, in the Middle East.
Why would a place known the world over for its petroleum exports build a solar-powered city? Well, for starters, because it’s in their best interests. At this point and time, alternative energy is on the up-and-up. Oil-powered vehicles will be a thing of the past in the next couple of decades. Masdar City won’t be built overnight, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
It will be one of the first of its kind, and a true pioneer in the eco-world. The plan will take approximately 12 years to complete, where the now tiny group of buildings will blossom into a metropolis teeming with life.
Cars are not allowed in this city. Visitors and commuters must park in garages just outside the city limits. Pedestrians ride bicycles, scooters, and whatever else can get them to their destination other than car travel. It’s a smart decision, some say. Others think it’s a bit too strict, and should make exceptions for electric-vehicles.
That will change when the city unrolls their full line of PRTs, or Personal Rapid Transit pods. They’re driverless, travel about 15 mph, and follow a straight line to a destination, which at this time is the Masdar Institute, about 1/2 mile from the PRT garage.
The city will also consider small, solar-powered carts as public transit options. Buildings, street lights, etc, all will be powered by the sun. A smart grid will run the city, along with smart generators, and a recycling center.
2025 is the end goal to have Masdar City up and running as a fully functional eco-utopia.
It’s slightly ironic that the world’s center of crude oil has taken it upon themselves to transform the way we build cities, and prepare us for tomorrow.
Still, we can all learn something from this innovative endeavor.
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