Fuel from sunlight and seawater? UAE students test hydrogen clean energy solution
Students at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) are testing a breakthrough clean energy project that produces hydrogen fuel using sunlight and seawater. The initiative integrates academic research with practical experimentation, focusing on solar-powered electrolysis — a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without releasing harmful emissions.
The hydrogen generated can be stored and later used to power vehicles, run power plants, or serve as a clean alternative for household energy needs.
Why this matters for the UAE
With year-round sunshine and abundant seawater, the UAE is uniquely positioned to advance this technology. Experts say it could not only cut reliance on fossil fuels but also tackle regional freshwater shortages.
Dr. Amani Al-Othman, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at AUS, said seawater electrolysis offers “a sustainable pathway for green hydrogen production and global decarbonization.” She explained that while solar-powered systems involve higher upfront costs, long-term benefits include carbon-free hydrogen production, reduced purification needs, and energy security for the region.
The student perspective
For AUS graduate Rasha Darra, the project was about applying theory to real-world challenges. She worked on simulations and lab experiments to demonstrate the viability of solar-powered hydrogen production from undistilled water, studying UAE renewable energy sources and referencing large-scale production projects such as ADNOC’s annual 300 kilotonnes of hydrogen output.
Industry support
Industry leaders see such projects as key to the global energy transition. Ian Debattista, Senior Vice President of Operations, Energy Transition Projects at Petrofac, said, “Supporting student-led research aligns closely with our approach. These students are engaging with real-world energy challenges today, and many will go on to shape the region’s sustainable future.”
With supportive government policies and vast natural resources, experts believe scaling up seawater electrolysis in the UAE could accelerate the country’s leadership in green hydrogen and clean energy solutions.
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