Transitioning Towards Sustainable Mobility Fuel Technologies

The future of sustainable mobility looks promising. Especially considering the automotive industry is currently experiencing a mobility revolution due to social trends and technological advancements, this has created a new automotive ecosystem and new players in the industry.

Transitioning from a linear to a circular model necessitates a fast transition towards renewable feedstocks and energy supplies by the petrochemical and energy sectors. Many projects are driven towards net zero emissions and moving away from oil and gas into the use of renewable energy resources as fuels.

In an interview with thirtytonetzero, Dr. Udo Huenger, Vice President of Market Area Middle East at BASF, stated, "Our transition to a zero-energy state will be driven by three primary considerations. Changes include switching to renewable energy sources, creating innovative methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and enhancing existing methods to be more efficient. In this respect, the greatest impact will be felt in scope 1 and 2 emissions at first, and afterwards in all three scopes of emissions." BASF plans to achieve net zero emissions in the petrochemical industry by 2030.

Although there are plenty of opportunities available in the market, relevant progress and trends need to take place to make disruptive and widespread changes in the Middle East. By pushing such efforts, it will not only diversify the economy and create new sources of prosperity but also promote sustainability in the Middle East by striving to become global leaders in climate-related technologies.

Here are the five key trends necessary for sustainable mobility:

1. Sustainable Vehicles

The Middle East region is witnessing a surge in the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have introduced favourable policies and incentives, such as tax exemptions, subsidies, and investments, to encourage the widespread adoption of EVs. Additionally, private companies are investing in charging stations and fast-charging networks, enabling EV owners to recharge their vehicles conveniently.

In 2018, Masdar, in cooperation with the Department of Transport (DOT), launched the Hafilat Industry battery electric bus (BEB). The bus has been tested and evaluated for two years for its performance and durability in summer weather conditions.

In August 2020, Sharjah Airport became the first carbon-neutral airport in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Masdar City prioritises pedestrians first, and a sustainable transport network is being explored, including driverless vehicles and fast-charging stations.

Dubai has launched a trial of autonomous buses, while Abu Dhabi has launched a driverless taxi service.

Additionally, the latest addition to Dubai’s police force are the supercars in the line of duty created by local outfit Micropolis Robotics. Known as the M01 and the M02, the two cars are described as the world’s most hi-tech police vehicles.

They are self-driving patrol cars that use AI, machine learning, and 360-degree surveillance technology to investigate suspected criminal activity or road accidents. If the cars detect anything, the patrols can communicate directly with police command centres to request backup. They also have drones installed to chase suspected criminals.

2. Greener and more sustainable airlines

Air travel has a significant impact on the environment, and aviation companies worldwide are investing in cutting-edge innovations to help minimise this impact.

Etihad Airways received the Environmental Sustainability Innovation of the Year award from the Centre of Aviation (CAPA) for its progress towards net-zero targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi-based airline expects to cut single-use plastic waste and achieve a 20 percent reduction in passenger fleet emissions by 2025.

Qatar Airways is also making significant progress towards lowering its carbon emissions through waste reduction and water conservation initiatives. The airline is working to drive sustainability through quieter, more efficient engines.

At the Arabian Travel Market, during one of the panel discussions by key aviation industry leaders, many agreed that the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can help meet the industry’s long-term sustainability goals.

This year, Chinese company EHang has partnered with Monarch Aircraft to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, drones, and necessary operation facilities to the Middle East. The EHang 216 is an eVTOL vehicle capable of carrying up to two people in fully autonomous flight mode.

Abu Dhabi is set to be the first centre for the development of sustainable electric aircraft and drones, as well as an autonomously managed air mobility command and control centre.

3. Sustainable Fuels

Green fuels are types of fuel derived from biomass. Biomass includes all kinds of organic matter, such as plant or animal waste. Also known as biofuels, they’re more eco-friendly since they're sustainable and naturally replenished. While conventional fuels require a long geological process to form, green fuels can be generated in a matter of days.

This year, according to a press release, Emirates Airlines operated its test flight powered by 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel. Although sustainable aviation fuel is used in many flights, only 50 percent of it is combined with conventional fuels.

In 2022, Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, collaborated on an agreement with TotalEnergies and Siemens Energy to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

On TotalEnergies’ website, Francois Good, Senior Vice President, Refining and Petrochemicals Africa, Middle East, and Asia at TotalEnergies, said, "We are very pleased to partner with Masdar and Siemens Energy to meet the challenge of decarbonizing air transport through sustainable aviation fuel from green hydrogen. In this project, TotalEnergies brings its expertise in renewable energy as well as SAF manufacturing and marketing advanced sustainable fuel production with the aim of acting directly on the carbon intensity of the energy products used by our customers. This is in line with our strategy of building a multi-energy company with the ambition to get to net zero by 2050 together with society."

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a bike-sharing service, while Abu Dhabi has built several cycling tracks throughout the city. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable mobility while providing residents with an alternative mode of transport.

4. Aerial Transport

Aerial transportation is attracting significant attention in the Middle East, which could lead to the region’s transformation.

Falcon Aviation Services, based in Abu Dhabi, has plans to purchase 35 Eve electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The goal is to offer tourist flights to Dubai by 2026.

Meanwhile, Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lilium, a German company. The agreement could result in Saudi Arabia receiving up to 100 eVTOL jets. Saudi Arabia is considering developing a network of business-class services throughout the country, including point-to-point flights and services that connect with its main hubs.

Abdul Latif Jameel, an automotive distribution, auto parts manufacturing, and financial services business, is also planning to be a part of e-aviation. The company has invested in the Californian start-up Joby Aviation, which is developing an eVTOL five-seater taxi. It can fly at 200mph and cover 150 miles on a single charge, and it aims to commercialise its services by 2024.

"Air taxi service is still in the early stages of commercialization, but it has the potential to completely transform the future of mobility. Improving daily transportation in line with environmental sustainability is a mission we share with all our business partners," said Hassan Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel.

In 2022, Abu Dhabi Airports signed a memorandum of understanding with French engineering and operations company Groupe ADP to explore the potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Abu Dhabi, which will use electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to move people and cargo.

Israeli start-up AIR is going beyond that and building an eVTOL designed for mass use. AIR’s eVTOL is still in its testing phase; however, it has achieved a key milestone by completing the aircraft’s maiden unmanned flight. Later, it will have someone on board.

AIR’s CEO and co-founder, Rani Plaut, believes that the company's eVTOL will be used for short commutes above city traffic or leisure trips, but it will have to clear regulatory hurdles before making it commercially available.

This year, the UAE Regulations Lab at the General Secretariat of the Cabinet issued a temporary licence for the electric cargo aircraft as a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation mode in the UAE. It comes in collaboration with United Parcel Service (UPS), an American multinational shipping and receiving and supply chain management company.

The licence provides a strong legislative structure to operate a new generation of cargo aircraft that use clean energy. As per the licence, UPS will be able to start its cargo operations with a new sustainable aircraft that confirms the specifications and standards adopted internationally.

Alternative Solutions

In the future, more advanced and relevant technologies could be part of the lives of the region’s residents, and these are already part of current discussions. Virgin Hyperloop, a transportation technology company, partnered with the Middle East's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to develop a hyperloop system in the region.

The partnership between Virgin Hyperloop and the RTA focused on developing a hyperloop route connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which will connect the two cities in 12 minutes.

It is a high-speed transportation concept that uses magnetic levitation and low-pressure tubes to transport pods or capsules at high speeds, reducing travel times compared to conventional transportation methods.

It has projects and investments in and from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In 2020, it signed an agreement with the Saudi Transport Ministry to study the use of its technology. Later partnered with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in the Emirates. The two will collaborate on transport-related AI research.

The Saudi Crown Prince hailed it as a "catalyst" for technological change when he unveiled the Vision 2030 hyperloop pod in 2018. Virgin Hyperloop’s Chairman, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said the hyperloop "will be a disruption in the way people travel" during a visit to the company’s development site.

Sustainable mobility is crucial for a liveable and safe environment in the fast-growing Middle East region. Collaboration with public transport authorities, governments, and citizens is key to its success.