Air Liquide and Al-Futtaim Motors jointly inaugurated the first hydrogen station comprising cutting-edge technologies tailored to suit the specific climate conditions of the region in Dubai, UAE.

This station, designed and installed by Air Liquide, will support the deployment of zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the UAE.

Hydrogen is an alternative to fossil fuels in addressing the clean transportation challenge while improving air quality. Used within a fuel cell, hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity and water as the only by product.

This first station in Dubai, like the nearly 100 stations designed and delivered by Air Liquide around the world, allow hydrogen-powered electric vehicles to recharge in less than five minutes with a driving range of around 500 km.

Air Liquide masters the entire hydrogen supply chain, from production to storage to distribution; and to the development of applications for end users thus contributing to spread out the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, for mobility in particular. Air Liquide is a founding member of the Hydrogen Council, a global initiative aimed at positioning hydrogen among the key solutions for  the energy transition.  

Matthieu Giard, Air Liquide Hub executive vice-president, Africa, Middle East and India, explained the potential of hydrogen as a cleaner transport solution: "Air Liquide is promoting hydrogen as a key enabler for an effective transition to a low-carbon economy. This first hydrogen station installed in partnership with Al-Futtaim Motors in Dubai is a first step for a large-scale deployment of hydrogen energy in this region. We are proud to bring our expertise and technology to create a more sustainable society, allowing all parties to contribute in improving air quality in our cities”.

Bertrand Thiébaut, senior managing director, Al-Futtaim Motors and vice president Automotive Group, Al-Futtaim said: “The pilot which started with only three Toyota Mirai vehicles, will soon expand to involve a larger fleet that will be tested across the UAE by key government entities and private sector stakeholders. With the inauguration of the UAE’s first hydrogen refuelling station in partnership with Air Liquide, we are one step closer to a low-carbon society, as we work towards a concrete contribution to a cleaner air, in line with the Government’s green agenda.”

Air Liquide Emirates for Industrial Gases (ALEMIR) started to operate in 2008, and today serves a wide variety of customers  throughout the Gulf region in numerous industries, including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, shipyards, construction, glass, steel, and laboratories. – TradeArabia News Service