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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted 34 chemical engineering students and four faculty members from Khalifa University at its Research and Development Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The delegation was led by Professor Lourdes Vega, Director of the Research and Innovation Centre on CO2 and Hydrogen (RICH) at Khalifa University.
During the visit, R&D Centre officials provided the students with a comprehensive overview of the technologies behind DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The project uses clean energy from the solar park to produce approximately 20 kilograms of green hydrogen per hour through water electrolysis.
Professor Vega expressed gratitude for DEWA’s ongoing efforts to engage with Khalifa University students, particularly highlighting the educational value of the Green Hydrogen project in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. “This visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world implementation, underscoring how the UAE is advancing its sustainable energy solutions,” she said.
The tour of the Green Hydrogen plant was particularly impactful for the students. PhD candidate Mariam Alqubati, who specializes in enhancing hydrogen production via nanomaterials, noted the value of observing DEWA’s operations firsthand. “DEWA’s innovative use of solar energy for hydrogen production is inspiring, and this visit has significantly enhanced my understanding of clean energy applications,” Alqubati remarked.
Chemical engineering student Shamma Arif Alrashdi also praised the experience, emphasizing the importance of seeing practical energy solutions in action. “Our visit to the R&D centre was a wonderful opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technologies and their real-life applications,” she said.
The Green Hydrogen project aligns with DEWA’s commitment to achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, aiming to meet 100% of the emirate’s energy needs from clean sources by 2050. The project is designed to support future testing platforms for hydrogen use in energy production and mobility, underscoring its long-term potential for sustainable development. |