The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), a research and development-free zone, under the support of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched a new hub targeting opportunities in energy, low carbon, and oil and gas sectors.
The MEA Energy Innovation Hub will work as the regional gateway to innovation and business growth where all players in the sector can collaborate and address the sector’s major challenges.
The hub will initiate, scale-up and commercialize technology ventures, through projects like accelerators and collaboration programs. Further, it will develop human capital and foster triple-helix engagement, which leads to innovative communication between the government, private industries and academia.
The STRI Park has also partnered with the Spanish innovation consultancy Barrabes.biz for building the hub, which will engage stakeholders to conduct their business efficiently and sustainably.
Suhail Al Mazouei Minister of Energy & Infrastructure UAE
“The UAE is a world leader in renewable energy and a pioneer in adopting international best practices in the energy sector. The UAE is one of the first countries to rely on renewable energy as an important part of its energy mix. The purpose of the MEA Energy Innovation Hub is to promote the latest innovations that drive the path of sustainable development and find ways to confront the effects of climate change and mitigate global warming.”
The current focus area for innovation is hydrogen, UAE and other oil producers in the Gulf region, are looking to produce green hydrogen from renewables. The clean fuel will form part of the UAE’s mix of green energy, as the country seeks to diversify its consumption away from hydrocarbons.
“Our region is currently the most competitive in terms of cost at $1.5 per kilogram, indicating that the development of sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects is the core of the UAE’s international efforts,” Mr. Al Mazrouei added.
The new hub is planning to attain new milestones and activities that will create the greatest impact on the sector, including tackling pressing challenges, like data power and asset inspection, unleashing emerging innovations, such as smart materials, integrated grids, automation and remote operations and connecting ecosystems.
