Dubai is building a demonstration plant that will use solar power to create hydrogen which will be used to power zero emissions vehicles in its public transportation fleet. If successful, it could expand the production of hydrogen from solar power in the future.

Clean Power

Dubai Planning Large-Scale Solar Powered Hydrogen Production

Steve Hanley

Published

February 11, 2019

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Something you hear frequently if you are a clean tech aficionado is that excess solar and wind power can be used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the 2020 Dubai Higher Committee and the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority broke ground in early February on a solar power hydrogen electrolysis facility located in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, according to a report by Khaleej Times.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Industry; Saeed Al Tayer and Joe Kaeser attend the ground-breaking ceremony of the Green Hydrogen project in Dubai on Sunday. Credit: Dhes Handumon

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA, said at the groundbreaking ceremony the project is important to understanding the limits of green hydrogen technology and how it can contribute to the UAE’s vision of clean energy. “This pioneering project is a role model for strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. It will contribute to developing the green economy concept in the UAE and explore the potential of green hydrogen technology. The hydrogen produced at the facility will be stored and deployed for re-electrification, transportation and other uses.”

Siemens is providing much of the technology that will be used at the demonstration facility. Joe Kaeser, president and CEO of Siemens, said the UAE was the perfect location for Siemens to test the technology. One of the primary uses of the hydrogen produced will be to power Dubai’s public transportation system.

“We are aware of the stress that is placed on vehicles in this region due to the high levels of heat; with hydrogen cells, you are not putting as much strain on the vehicle and that improves its longevity,” Kaeser said. “However, this is only the first step and we are eager to explore more ways in which we can adapt the technology to other sectors. The interest from various companies and partners has been immense and we are eager to work with all interested parties.”

“Dewa, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens are working together to help realize His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s, vision to identify new energy resources and provide sustainable power as part of a balanced approach that prioritizes the environment. Our aim is to make Dubai a model of energy efficiency and safety,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

Expo 2020 Dubai intends to use the hydrogen generated at the facility to transport visitors to the Expo 2020 Dubai and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. Live data of the green hydrogen electrolysis will be displayed at Expo 2020 Dubai.

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In this article:DEWA, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, siemens

Written By Steve Hanley

Steve writes about the interface between technology and sustainability from his home in Florida or anywhere else The Force may lead him. He is proud to be "woke" and doesn't really give a damn why the glass broke. He believes passionately in what Socrates said 3000 years ago: "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new."