The UAE’s state-owned energy major ADNOC, has announced the construction of the first high-speed hydrogen refueling station in the Middle East, located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.
This station will produce clean hydrogen through an electrolyser powered by clean grid electricity. To assess its viability, the hydrogen will be tested with vehicles from Toyota and Al Futtaim, according to a company statement.
Hydrogen, which produces zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when used, boasts the highest energy per unit mass among fuels, allowing vehicles to have an extended driving range and faster refueling times compared to battery electric vehicles, as stated in the company’s release.
Hydrogen for energy transition
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC’s Managing Director and Group CEO, who is also set to be the president of COP 28, scheduled to be held in the UAE later this year, emphasised the significance of hydrogen as a crucial fuel in the energy transition, aiding in the large-scale decarbonization of economies.
He considers hydrogen a natural extension of ADNOC’s core business and expects the pilot program to generate essential data on hydrogen transportation technology, contributing to the continuous development of the UAE’s hydrogen infrastructure.
In addition to the Masdar City station, a second station will be established in Dubai Golf City, featuring a conventional hydrogen refueling system.