Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has commenced the construction of the Middle East’s inaugural high-speed hydrogen refueling station. ADNOC made the announcement on Tuesday, revealing that they will develop the station in Masdar City. The facility aims to produce clean hydrogen through a process that utilizes an electrolyzer powered by clean grid electricity, enabling the creation of hydrogen from water.
Hydrogen is a fuel that produces no carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during usage and boasts the highest energy per mass among all fuels. It offers vehicles longer driving ranges and quicker refueling times compared to battery electric vehicles, making it an appealing option for sustainable mobility solutions.
ADNOC has also entered into a strategic partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation and Al-Futtaim Motors to conduct comprehensive testing of the high-speed hydrogen refueling station using a fleet of clean hydrogen-powered vehicles. This collaboration will facilitate the evaluation of hydrogen transportation technology’s performance and support the objectives of the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to position the country as one of the leading hydrogen producers by 2031.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, emphasized the significance of hydrogen as a critical fuel for the energy transition. He highlighted how it contributes to large-scale decarbonization of economies and aligns with ADNOC’s core business. Through the pilot program, ADNOC aims to gather vital data that will aid in the development of the UAE’s hydrogen infrastructure and further advancements in hydrogen transportation technology.
As part of the partnership, Toyota and Al-Futtaim Motors will supply a fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles to facilitate the testing program. The pilot initiative will provide ADNOC with valuable insights on how to optimally utilize high-speed hydrogen refueling in mobility projects. It will support the UAE’s ambitious goals outlined in its National Hydrogen Strategy, providing valuable information for future planning and investment decisions.
ADNOC Distribution, a subsidiary of ADNOC, will take on the operation of the high-speed hydrogen refueling station once its construction is completed later this year. In addition, a conventional hydrogen fueling system will equip a second station in Dubai Golf City, enhancing the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the region.
The initiation of construction on the Middle East’s first high-speed hydrogen refueling station in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in the region’s sustainable energy journey. ADNOC’s commitment to leveraging hydrogen as a key component of the energy transition demonstrates the company’s dedication to decarbonizing economies and achieving a greener future. This venture also showcases the fruitful collaboration between ADNOC, Toyota, and Al-Futtaim Motors in pioneering hydrogen-based mobility solutions and driving the UAE’s position as a leader in the hydrogen sector.
