Dubai has announced another innovative technology which will give Construction projects the chance to go green as part of a scheme to see old generators replaced with hydrogen fuel cells.

Dubai has teamed up with AFC Energy to develop 300MW of hydrogen fuel cell capacity in the emirate.

Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence signed a fuel cell development agreement with UK-based AFC to assess potential sites to install site a plant for supplying power to major developments such as Dubai Expo 2020 and Al Maktoum International Airport.

The joint venture would operate the projects and supply power and water from the fuel cells and the partnership will also pitch for additional fuel cell contracts. It said Dubai is looking to take on the biggest fuel cell programme in the world by attempting to generate 300 megawatts of power from hydrogen fuel cells by 2020.

Hydrogen fuel cells release far fewer carbon emissions when generating electricity. Similar cells are used in space shuttles and some cars. It is a clean and environmentally-friendly technology.

This supports the UAE's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. As per the MoU, Dubai Carbon will work with AFC to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by using hydrogen fuel cells in a number of facilities.

It is already talking to Dubai-based clean energy funds to finance future projects, which will also encompass the sale of the water produced as a by-product of the catalytic process.

This is the third such memorandum of understanding AFC has signed around the world since the start of March following deals in Korea and Thailand using its alkaline fuel cell technology, but the size of the Dubai contract dwarves these.

The two sides will investigate using AFC's hydrogen fuel cells in certain sites and projects that are under construction or which require temporary connections in Dubai, to generate a total of 300MW by 2020. They will also assess the demand for commercial facilities in Dubai to use this advanced technology.

Officials are looking to implement the programme within projects such Dubai Expo 2020 and the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport.

Hydrogen fuel can be made from wind, natural gas, solar and biogas. However, hydrogen fuel cells also require oxygen – which helps reduce the amount of pollution released into the air when generating electricity.

Dubai is working to achieve the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, the long-term National initiative launched by the Prime Minister of the UAE, to build an economy that protects the environment and supports a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation. It enhances the competitiveness of the UAE in global markets, especially in renewable energy, and green-economy products and technologies. It is also working to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai sustainable with its resources.

This MoU between Dubai Carbon and AFC Energy supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to diversify Dubai's energy mix, promote the sustainable development of Dubai, make the Emirate a role model in energy security and efficiency, and reduce energy demand by 30%. The MoU also supports Dubai's efforts to increase its use of sources of renewable and clean energy. It underlines Dubai's leading role, and vision to ensure secure, clean, and sustainable energy to achieve the goals of Dubai and the UAE to adopt a green economy and keep a sustainable environment for generations to come. 

Sources :http://wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395280354738.html

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