ADNOC: High-Tech Kinetic Battery Drives UAE's EV Adoption

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is collaborating with Revterra to test an innovative kinetic battery system within its E2GO EV charging hub at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, these kinetic batteries are part of a shift towards mechanical energy storage, potentially offering extended lifespans and a decreased dependency on chemical reactions.This collaboration is a milestone in ADNOC’s strategy to advance climate technology and decarbonise the transport sector while building the UAE’s clean energy future.

A sustainable charging solution

Revterra’s kinetic battery system, made using recycled steel, leverages rotational energy storage to provide high-speed EV charging, minimising environmental impact.

This innovative method reduces dependence on rare or hazardous materials and creates avenues for utilising 100% locally sourced UAE steel, potentially boosting domestic industry and job creation.

"The trial underscores our commitment to innovation – to decarbonise, diversify our energy sources and to achieve net zero by 2045," ADNOC says.

The pilot propels ADNOC’s larger goal to scale impactful climate technologies.

Revterra won a US$1m trial after securing winning the ADNOC Decarbonisation Technology Challenge, a global competition that attracted 650 startups from 50 countries.

An EV vision

ADNOC Distribution, teaming with the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), is advancing efforts to establish and manage EV charging infrastructure via their E2GO joint venture.

This strategic movement aims to cater to accelerating electric vehicle demands in the UAE, with the EV market expected to escalate at a compound annual growth rate of 30% from 2022 to 2028.

E2GO hopes it is strategically positioned to address the estimated requirement for 70,000 EV charging points in Abu Dhabi by 2030.

Backed by a proposed capital expenditure of up to US$200m, the joint initiative will roll out a network of fast chargers alongside ancillary digital services, such as parking, tolling and customer engagement platforms.
"As electric vehicle adoption grows in the UAE, ADNOC Distribution and TAQA are well placed to meet the evolving needs of EV customers through the creation of the E2GO venture,” says His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of ADNOC Distribution.

“ADNOC Distribution will continue to capitalise on energy transition opportunities that make commercial sense, while remaining a reliable supplier of our customers’ energy needs."

Policy backing and climate alignment

The deployment of E2GO finds reinforcement through Abu Dhabi’s newly launched regulatory framework for EV charging infrastructure, as developed by the Department of Energy (DoE).

This aligned policy supports the circular carbon economy and is vital to the UAE’s ambition for net zero by 2050.
“We welcome the ADNOC Distribution - TAQA partnership, an important initiative aimed at supporting EV charging infrastructure development in the emirate,” said His Excellency Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. 

“The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is committed to realise the UAE’s leadership vision and take decisive actions to promote all necessary policies, such as sustainable transport, as the critical route to drive the energy transition.”

The partnership is echoed by the directives of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
“This new partnership aligns with one of the most important priorities of DMT, which is to support the sustainable mobility goals that the Abu Dhabi government seeks to achieve,” said His Excellency Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.

“We aim to provide a sustainable infrastructure that reflects the department’s commitment to implementing our policy to reduce carbon emissions in line with the UAE’s strategic initiative to strive to achieve climate neutrality by 2050."

Strengthening national sustainability

TAQA stands as a robust partner in this initiative, being one of the largest integrated utilities in the EMEA region, tasked with fulfilling more than 90% of Abu Dhabi’s power and water needs.

It views transportation electrification as a key element for national decarbonisation.

“Decarbonising transport is an essential part of the UAE’s drive towards achieving its net zero ambitions,” said His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of TAQA. 

“The development of EV infrastructure facilitated by the E2GO joint venture will help bridge the gap in delivering clean energy to the wider public.”

Both ADNOC Distribution and TAQA are long-dedicated to clean energy initiatives, with ADNOC offering Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at 31 stations throughout the UAE and running a CNG-only station in Abu Dhabi

TAQA is also expanding its low-carbon influence through numerous energy and water projects in 11 countries.