Toyota, Partners Launch Hydrogen Research Initiative in UAE

Toyota Motor Corp. is collaborating with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., Air Liquide, Toyota distributor Al-Futtaim Motors and the city of Masdar in a joint research program to explore the potential of hydrogen energy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The partners will jointly research the production, logistics, scalability and business feasibility of hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles. Much of the work will be done at Masdar Institute, an Abu Dhabi-based graduate research university.

Starting in May, Toyota will begin driving and refueling demonstration tests of its Mirai fuel cell-powered car in the UAE, where the technology will face extreme heat, dust and other unique local operating conditions. Toyota also will provide short-term leases to UAE government institutions and opinion leaders to help promote and better understand the use of hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.

As a major oil-producing nation, UAE can produce hydrogen at oil refineries and as a byproduct at caustic soda and other facilities. The fuel also can be generated via the country’s solar power stations. UAE’s Vision 2021 initiative aims to improve air quality by expanding the use of hydrogen and other clean energies.