Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) is advancing energy innovation across desalination, advanced materials, carbon utilisation and sustainability, while harnessing artificial intelligence to transform the energy sector and prepare a new generation of clean energy professionals.
Speaking to Aletihad, Amal Al Jaberi, CEO of Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), highlighted efforts to transform university research into practical industrial solutions through commercialisation and strategic partnerships.
“Some of Khalifa University’s most promising energy innovations tackle familiar industrial challenges including making water treatment more efficient, finding productive uses for carbon dioxide and recovering valuable materials from old solar panels.”
Among these developments is Pure Hydro, which is developing desalination solutions based on patented Khalifa University research, with the aim of reducing operating and maintenance requirements.
“Pure Hydro offers one example of research moving towards the market.”
Al Jaberi also highlighted opportunities in advanced materials through INTRATOMICS, a KUEC subsidiary and commercial spin-off of the university’s Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials.
The company is exploring industrial applications for graphene and other advanced materials, including energy storage and generation.
Beyond these developments, Khalifa University is researching catalysts that convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into synthetic methane, alongside technologies for recovering materials from retired solar panels and producing ammonia under milder conditions using renewable electricity.
"These innovations have potential industrial applications," although further testing is required to establish their performance and costs at scale.
Al Jaberi explained that KUEC connects university research with commercial opportunities by assessing market potential, supporting licensing and spin-offs, and identifying suitable industrial and investment partners.
“Khalifa University is building a route from laboratory discoveries to products that businesses can manufacture and use, supported by its commercial arm, KUEC.”
AI-driven Energy Innovation
Also speaking to Aletihad, Prof. Mohamed El Moursi, Director, Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC) and Professor of Electrical Engineering at Khalifa University, highlighted AI-driven energy innovation and the university’s role in developing future talent.
“AI has become an integral part of the power grid nowadays,” Prof. El Moursi said.
He explained that AI-powered forecasting tools help predict fluctuations in solar and wind energy generation, supporting grid stability and renewable energy integration.
“To achieve seamless renewable energy integration, AI-based forecasting is essential,” he said.
Beyond generation, AI is transforming electricity transmission and distribution by analysing data from smart metres and monitoring systems to improve network planning and efficiency.
These capabilities are particularly important as electricity networks accommodate growing demand from data centres, electric vehicles (EVs), and charging infrastructure.
“When we talk about smart grids and transportation electrification, we are also talking about big data,” he said.
AI also supports equipment monitoring, maintenance planning, and cybersecurity, helping operators manage increasingly complex power grids.
At Khalifa University’s Advanced Power and Energy Center, industry-focused research, practical training and partnerships are helping equip future energy professionals with the skills to work with emerging technologies.
“We focus on translating research into higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and achieving commercialisation,” he said.
The university offers specialised programmes in renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind and biomass. These programmes cover energy storage, transportation electrification and system optimisation.
“These subjects are incorporated into our curricula and courses to help students develop the skills required by the energy sector,” he added.
