The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the second biggest lender by assets in the coutnry, has become the first bank to launch a solar-powered ATM. The first solar power run auto teller machine became operational this week at Bank’s Al Bateen branch in the capital posh neighbourhood, to mark the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) that kicked-off in the capital on Monday. “We are the first bank in the UAE to launch a green ATM,” says Suvo Sarkar, the General Manager of Consumer & Elite Banking at the Bank.
The NBAD’s green ATM, launched in cooperation with Apex Power Concepts, and is powered by solar panels installed on the branch’s roof. The panels are connected to a circuit breaker board, which feeds a power controller where part of the collected energy is stored for the ATM’s night operation. NBAD aims to eventually implement this solution in all NBAD branches as well as at stand alone offsite ATMs. “As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, we hope to be the ‘trend-setter’ in adopting solar power for future ATMs in this country,” the general manager said. “The rollout will reduce our carbon footprint, and presumably act as an example of how banks can contribute to the sustainability of the environment,” Sarkar said. The bank has one of the largest branch and ATM network in the country with more than 110 branches and 429 ATMs across the nation. “CSR at NBAD is a way of doing business. Therefore, we adopt methods and technologies that are aligned with this strategy,” said Ahmed Al Naqbi, the Head of Channels & Electronic Banking Services at NBAD. “In addition to delivering quality products and services, NBAD differentiates itself in the market by its corporate sustainability credentials.” – Khaleej Times
