KAUST researchers are working on green hydrogen production, which uses renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The current methods are capital intensive and require desalinated water, which is scarce in desert regions. KAUST is partnering with NEOM, a futuristic region on the Red Sea, where green hydrogen will be an important part of the economy. Why it matters: Innovations in green hydrogen production and cost reduction will be critical for sustainable energy in regions like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and Toyota have formed a partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom's decarbonization goals. KAUST has acquired proton electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules from Toyota to establish a dedicated laboratory under its Clean Energy and Research Platform (CERP). Researchers at KAUST are conducting studies to optimize PEM fuel cells for Saudi Arabia's environmental conditions, aiming to maximize efficiency and reliability. Why it matters: This collaboration supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and net-zero goals, fostering innovation in hydrogen technology and sustainable energy solutions within the region.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) hosted a seminar on rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries. Professor Wei Chen from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) presented the seminar. The talk covered aqueous nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, halogen-hydrogen gas, and nonaqueous lithium-hydrogen gas batteries, along with applications like self-charging batteries. Why it matters: Hydrogen gas batteries represent a promising avenue for large-scale energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into electric grids.
KAUST, NEOM’s Education, Research, and Innovation Foundation (ERIF), and ENOWA have formed a partnership to support Saudi Arabia’s hydrogen economy. ERIF has sponsored three strategic projects under its Hydrogen and e-Fuels Applied Research Institute (HEFARI) with KAUST researchers focusing on developing hydrogen as a renewable energy vector. The projects cover carbon-neutral fuels, cost-effective electrolyzer technologies, and lowering emissions from green ammonia. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a leader in green hydrogen technologies and sustainable fuel production, aligning with the Kingdom's decarbonization goals.
KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC) and KAUST Solar Center (KSC) partnered with Nigerian startup Newdigit Technologies to develop their "Just Add Water" pilot. The project aims to use electrolysis powered by photovoltaics to split water into hydrogen (for cooking) and oxygen. The hydrogen produced can be utilized as a clean-burning gas for cooking, while the fuel cell generates electricity and produces clean drinking water. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights KAUST's role in fostering sustainable energy solutions for developing nations and addressing critical challenges like energy access and indoor air quality.
KAUST researchers have developed a saliva-powered microbial fuel cell (MFC) that generates electricity using electrogenic bacteria to consume waste and release electrons. The micro-MFC uses graphene as an anode and an air cathode, achieving high current densities (1190 A m-3). The MFC produced 40 times more power than through the use of a carbon cloth anode. Why it matters: This technology offers a novel way to power lab-on-chip or portable diagnostic devices, particularly in remote or dangerous areas, and may offer alternatives to energy-intensive water purification technologies.
KAUST and KAPSARC have launched a book titled "The Clean Hydrogen Economy and Saudi Arabia", co-edited by KAUST's Dr. Saumitra Saxena. The book analyzes the global hydrogen economy through Saudi Arabia's perspective, discussing clean hydrogen research and technologies. Saudi Arabia aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 and become a major clean hydrogen producer by 2030. Why it matters: The publication highlights Saudi Arabia's strategic shift towards clean energy and its potential leadership in the global hydrogen economy.
KAUST faculty member Enrico Traversa is researching nanostructured materials for sustainable development in energy, environment, healthcare, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). His work focuses on developing next-generation SOFCs based on chemically stable proton-conducting electrolytes to reduce operating temperatures. Traversa also develops scaffold biomaterials for tissue regeneration, aiming to create heart tissue using patient-derived stem cells. Why it matters: This research contributes to KAUST's focus on energy, water, environment and food, with potential for advancements in clean energy and regenerative medicine.