Abu Dhabi / WAM
Mubadala Investment Company and Engie, a worldwide energy leader, on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a digital platform for charging electric vehicles in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East region.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to explore development of a digital platform which will include a joint solution for the installation and operation of charging infrastructure in UAE. Additionally, the parties will explore other areas of collaboration related to sustainable mobility.
With the transport sector known as a significant contributor to global carbon footprint, electric vehicles are deemed as a key to supporting decarbonising the mobility sector, with emissions from EVs up to 43% lower than traditionally fueled vehicles, as reported by Carbon Brief. Developing an EV friendly digital platform can play an important role for the UAE in meeting the goals of its Strategic Initiatives Net Zero by 2050.
The agreement was signed by Badr Al Olama, Executive Director at UAE Investments in Mubadala, and Ian Harfield, Managing Director of Engie Energy Solutions (GCC).
Commenting on this agreement, Al Olama said, “As a responsible investor, Mubadala is committed to driving sustainability in the UAE and the wider region by laying the foundation and advancing future-focused sectors in technology and mobility. Our agreement with ENGIE will support developing a digital platform for charging electric vehicles and creating accessible, safe and sustainable mobility solutions to support the UAE’s climate action agenda.”
Harfield stated that by 2030, 60% of the global population will live in cities. Therefore, sustainable mobility will emerge as one of urban planners’ greatest challenges. Adoption of clean fuels and electrification of public and private transport systems will be critical levers for reducing carbon emissions and pollutants in cities.
“The UAE, in particular, is leading the change towards independent electric cars in the region and targets to enter about 42,000 electric cars on its streets by 2030. This partnership with Mubadala is a commitment of our contribution to the UAE’s evolution towards green mobility,” he added.