SkyPower Global CEO, one of the most successful developers and owners of solar energy projects, champions young nation’s entrepreneurial zeal
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For dozens of entrepreneurs and expats around the world, the UAE is a land of limitless opportunity. Kerry Adler – the CEO of SkyPower Global who made the young nation his home – can attest to this.
“Come to the United Arab Emirates and see for yourself a safe country; respects the rule of law; and gives everyone the opportunity to achieve what they want, ”said the Clean Energy Ambassador.
SkyPower Global is the largest and one of the most successful developers and owners of solar energy projects in the world.
Adler, a Canadian citizen, opened his office in the United Arab Emirates seven years ago and has spent time mainly in Dubai and more recently – the last 10 months – in Abu Dhabi.
“The UAE not only offers a diverse culture and geography, but also many opportunities that appeal to different desires and age groups. If there is something you want you can be sure to find it here. However, if you don’t go and leave, you will never know, ”he said.
SkyPower’s international team of experienced professionals, energy project specialists and partners have built, assembled and acquired a vast pipeline of more than 25,000 megawatts around the world. This portfolio of large-scale solar PV projects makes SkyPower the world’s largest solar development company.
It is majority owned by CIM, a transformational real estate and urban infrastructure investment firm, which was founded in 1994 with an initial investment of over $ 30 billion (Dh 110.19 billion).
Adler found that in the UAE, even though you have to work hard, there are countless opportunities fueled by government support programs.
Soon he understood that the government not only helps entrepreneurs, but also encourages and promotes their growth.
“There are agencies that are set up to help new entrants; activity zones specifically designed around industrial sectors; and a tremendous amount of expertise which provides the greatest opportunity for any entrepreneur to take their business to a different level on a global scale, ”said Adler.
“The United Arab Emirates is a land of hope, pride, tolerance and an economy whose growth has remained strong despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
For Adler, the country’s greatest asset is its people. “The multicultural nature of its population allows it to reach markets around the world from a centralized hub. “
He added, “Giving people the ability to travel from the UAE to over 100 countries in less than four hours also places the nation in a unique position. Its secure, secure and focused government policies and initiatives promote growth and ensure that residents have the ability to travel freely and seize opportunities across a wide geographic area. “
A mission to make a difference
Building businesses is something Adler really enjoys. Over the years, he has always focused on industries that contribute to the betterment of mankind.
“In the late 90s, I helped launch the business process outsourcing industry in India, which created not only a new industry, but also an opportunity for the country to benefit from its highly educated population. , its low labor cost and its Internet infrastructure. said Adler.
In the early 2000s, he decided he wanted to do something that would have a deeper impact on humanity.
At the onset of climate change, his vision was to use renewable energy as a way to replace fossil fuels.
Almost 20 years later, climate change has become a global crisis, and SkyPower – the company he founded in 2003 – is now a leading company in the development of large utility projects around the world.
“Our journey has not been without challenges. The biggest obstacle to growing a renewable business today is being able to get the capital to bring electricity to the people who most deserve it, ”he said.
“Developing countries around the world are struggling to provide even the most basic power. Our vision and mission is to enable these countries to provide at least basic electricity to foster greater economic growth; improve education; providing health care facilities; and ensure that the social fabric can benefit all of humanity, not just OECD countries, ”said the 50-year-old entrepreneur.
sandhya@khaleejtimes.com
