The National Bank of Abu Dhabi has deployed the region's first solar-powered ATM. The ATM has been installed in the bank's Al Bateen Branch, which is based in Abu Dhabi, said Haman Jalili, editor of the financial institution's corporate communications department.
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi launched the solar-powered ATM in cooperation with Apex Power Concepts, which is also based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Apex Power is a solar and wind energy company.
The ATM is powered by solar panels installed on the roof of the bank branch. The panels are connected to a circuit breaker board, which feeds a power controller. Part of the collected energy is stored in the power controller for the ATM's night operation.
Abu Dhabi has a hot/arid climate, and sunny and blue skies can be expected throughout the year. It is the capital and second-largest city in the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi is encouraging the establishment of high-tech industries that use natural gas and low-sulfur fuels to make the environment clean.
"We are planning to put 400 solar-powered ATMs in various branches in the United Arab Emirates in the near future," Jalili said. "The wonderful thing about these machines is that they are not costly and will provide our customers with the chance to contribute to helping the environment."
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is the country's second-largest lender.
