In a groundbreaking initiative, students at a UAE university are developing a clean energy solution that transforms sunlight and seawater into hydrogen fuel.
At the American University of Sharjah (AUS), this project combines academic learning with practical challenges, as students and faculty explore solar-powered electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy.
The hydrogen generated can be stored and utilized as fuel for vehicles, power plants, or even cooking, without harmful emissions.
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Why this is crucial for the UAE
Given its abundant sunshine and seawater access, the UAE is ideally positioned to pioneer this technology. Experts highlight that it reduces fossil fuel dependency and addresses freshwater scarcity.
Dr. Amani Al-Othman, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at AUS, stated, “With the region’s limited freshwater resources, seawater electrolysis is highly relevant, offering a sustainable path for green hydrogen production and global decarbonization. This initiative targets regional water shortages and global energy transition goals by producing high-purity hydrogen as a future energy source.”
The process explained
Unlike conventional hydrogen production, which uses steam reforming and emits significant carbon dioxide, solar-powered electrolysis employs clean solar electricity to split water molecules.
“Although the initial capital cost is higher due to solar infrastructure and seawater pre-treatment, the long-term savings are substantial,” Al-Othman added. “These benefits include reducing fossil fuel reliance, eliminating hydrogen purification needs, and avoiding carbon emissions. Thus, the solar-powered system is an appealing solution, particularly in sunlight-rich UAE.”
She emphasized that scaling up is viable in the region thanks to ample solar energy, seawater access, and supportive government policies.
The student experience
For AUS graduates like chemical engineering alumna Rasha Darra, the project offers more than academic research; it’s about solving future challenges.
“My task was to devise a practical solution and validate it by simulating with Aspen Plus software and supporting lab results. I explored various hydrogen production methods and water electrolysis for green hydrogen,” she said.
Her research concentrated on producing hydrogen from undistilled water using solar power, analyzing feed characteristics, UAE renewable energy sources, and real-world applications like ADNOC’s 300 kilotonnes of hydrogen produced annually.
Industry support
Industry partners emphasize that student-led projects are vital for shaping the energy landscape and achieving international decarbonization objectives.
Ian Debattista, Senior Vice President of Operations, Energy Transition Projects at Petrofac, remarked, “Supporting student research aligns with our goals. It’s about investing in future talent, fostering innovation, and building long-term capabilities. These students tackle real-world energy challenges today, and many will likely drive the region towards sustainability. That’s the impact we aim to facilitate.”
