Abu Dhabi: The Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been awarded the Verified Sustainable Impact Project Stamp, a prestigious distinction granted by Majra, the UAE's National CSR Fund. This recognition highlights the research chair's significant contributions to environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social progress, reinforcing AUS' commitment to renewable energy innovation and its alignment with the UAE's national priorities and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Amani Al-Othman, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Petrofac Endowed Chair in Renewable Energy at AUS, emphasized, "The Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy reflects the power of collaboration between academia and industry. Petrofac's support has enabled AUS to drive impactful research that directly addresses global energy challenges, equipping future engineers and scientists with the skills to develop real-world solutions. This recognition reinforces our commitment to advancing clean energy research and supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable future."
Established in November 2009 with an AED15 million endowment from Petrofac, the Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy was created to advance interdisciplinary research in clean energy technologies. Bringing together experts from physics, chemistry, and engineering, the chair fosters innovation in solar energy efficiency, energy storage solutions, green hydrogen production, and AI-driven energy management systems. The initiative supports the UAE's ambition to become a hub for sustainable energy innovation.
Ali Abdulla Al Ali, Petrofac UAE Country Chair, stated, "The Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy has united experts to foster innovation in clean energy technologies, developed sustainable energy storage, explored green hydrogen production, and implemented AI-driven energy management. Our dedication to innovation and sustainability is recognized with the Verified Sustainable Impact Project Stamp awarded by Majra, the federal arm of the UAE Ministry of Economy, supporting the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in sustainable energy innovation, ensuring long-term economic and environmental sustainability in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050."
This recognition acknowledges the long-term impact of the Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy, which has made measurable contributions in three key areas. At the environmental level, the chair has advanced solar energy efficiency, remote monitoring of renewable systems, and sustainability-focused power solutions, helping reduce carbon footprints and support the UAE's clean energy goals.
Socially, the chair has nurtured future renewable energy leaders by attracting students to hands-on research and fostering a culture of sustainability through outreach and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Economically, the chair has strengthened the UAE's renewable energy sector by promoting industry-academic collaboration, driving job creation, technological innovation, and public-private partnerships, while enhancing the nation's global competitiveness in clean energy.
The chair also aligns with the presence of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi's Masdar City, a global intergovernmental agency that supports countries in their transition to sustainable energy by providing policy advice, technological insights, and investment guidance in renewable energy.
The Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy has also contributed significantly to AUS' standing as a center of excellence for renewable energy education, attracting top-tier students and faculty members while facilitating collaborative projects with industry partners and government entities. Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, highlighted, "The Petrofac Research Chair in Renewable Energy has been instrumental in advancing research that contributes to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. From optimizing solar energy technologies to exploring new approaches in sustainable energy storage, our research is helping to shape the future of renewable energy. Receiving the Verified Sustainable Impact Project Stamp reflects our dedication to innovation and sustainability-driven progress."