King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has partnered with Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Motors, and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).
The collaboration seeks to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in Saudi Arabia, in line with the Kingdom’s goal to drive decarbonization across the transportation sector and beyond, to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060.
As a key component of this partnership, KAUST has acquired Proton Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules from TMC, establishing a cutting-edge laboratory at KAUST under its Clean Energy and Research Platform (CERP). This facility will lead the Kingdom to the forefront of hydrogen innovation, tailoring fuel cells to the region’s unique environmental conditions.
Mani Sarathy Professor, Chemical Engineering – KAUST
“At KAUST, we are excited to collaborate with TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors to drive the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and net-zero goals for 2060. Through our Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP), we are focused on advancing research that will optimize hydrogen fuel cells for the region’s specific conditions, ensuring their efficiency and reliability. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to pioneering innovations that support sustainable solutions and contribute to a greener future for Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
Professor Mani Sarathy and his team at CERP are currently conducting research on the performance, durability, and environmental integration of PEM fuel cells, with the support of TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors.
The team is carrying out a series of modelling and experimental studies to examine factors such as temperature sensitivity, humidity impact, and overall efficiency, with a focus on boosting the environmental benefits of these fuel cells within the Kingdom’s infrastructure.
Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of the Toyota Liaison Office for Mobility & Energy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Toyota Motor Corporation, commented that, “For over two decades, Toyota has led the way in environmentally friendly mobility solutions, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to a zero-carbon future through continuous innovation and substantial global investment. In partnership with the KAUST research team within CERP and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, we are bringing this technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting its decarbonization goals. Toyota is dedicated to contributing to the research at KAUST, and to advancing the Kingdom’s economic diversification and Circular Carbon Economy, in alignment with Vision 2030.”
Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Managing Director of Toyota Marketing Operations, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, added that, “Abdul Latif Jameel Motors is dedicated to facilitating the development and adoption of solutions that benefit both local and global communities. A key focus is promoting fuel cell technology to establish Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to sustainable mobility. This strategic partnership reaffirms our commitment to enabling a future of cleaner, efficient and smarter mobility accessible to all, supporting the transformational needs of businesses and individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
