King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have embarked on a strategic partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to support the Kingdom’s decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060.

As a centerpiece of this partnership, KAUST has acquired proton electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules from TMC, establishing a laboratory facility at KAUST under its Clean Energy and Research Platform (CERP), which is dedicated to advancing this technology. This facility will be at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lead in hydrogen innovation, particularly in tailoring fuel cells to the region’s unique environmental conditions.

Professor Mani Sarathy of KAUST’s Physical Science and Engineering Division and his team at CERP are currently leading research efforts to explore the performance, durability and environmental integration of PEM fuel cells and receiving technical and financial support by TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. His team is conducting a series of modeling and experimental studies to assess factors such as temperature sensitivity, humidity impact and overall efficiency, with the goal of maximizing the environmental benefits of these fuel cells within the Kingdom’s infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia, with its vast renewable energy resources, is well-positioned to produce both green hydrogen and blue hydrogen. The Kingdom aims to produce approximately 2.9 million tons of hydrogen by 2030, with competitive costs for both domestic use and export.