Dutch group to set up region's first green batteries plant
ABU DHABI, August 5, 2023
Abu Dhabi-based GL Holding has announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Urban Mobility Systems (UMS), a leading Dutch company in the green energy sector, to launch a series of renewable energy projects in the UAE.
The duo will begin the UAE venture with the establishment of a factory specialised in developing and manufacturing green batteries, electric motors, chargers, and power generators, reported Wam.
The partnership agreement was signed by GL Holding CEO Ali Mohammed Al Mulla and the Dutch group's CEO and Head of Technology Lars Kool in the presence of Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Gerard Paul Marie Hubert Steeghs, Ambassador of Netherlands to the UAE.
On the partnership, Dr Al Zeyoudi said the UAE was keen to attract modern global technologies in the green energy sector, as part of its efforts to diversify the national economy, in partnership with the private sector,
In his statement to WAM, Steeghs said that the collaboration between GLH and UMS will create new opportunities for both countries to improve their economic and cultural cooperation.
The goal of the collaboration is to boost the production of clean energy in the UAE, he added, commending the outstanding bilateral ties between the UAE and the Netherlands in climate-related issues and describing their mutual advantages in various areas, such as the UAE’s sustainable efforts in the energy and food sectors, and the Netherlands’ cutting-edge technologies and expertise in these areas.
Al Mulla said the partnership with UMS aims to establish the largest electric power battery and generator facility in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, as well as transfer technologies from the Netherlands to the UAE and convert heavy civil and military equipment into machinery that does not produce emissions.
"We are gathered here to lay the foundation of our partnership through the first environmentally-friendly battery facility, and we aspire to contribute to our production in strengthening national industries, by exporting products bearing the ‘Made in the Emirates’ label to European and Australian markets,” he added.
He said the move was aimed at replacing combustion fuel with clean energy in heavy equipment.
"Our products include power generators, precision cables and batteries for civil and military use. We also make energy engine systems and electric drive systems. Besides, we share our green energy technology and knowledge with our national engineers and technicians, helping them reduce carbon emissions. We also established a research and development management for clean energy and carbon reduction in the UAE," added Al Mulla.
He pointed out that this green technology transfer would help achieve sustainable development for future generations and provide employment opportunities for qualified local talents, consistent with the government’s actions to encourage localisation.
On the key partnership, Kool said that it aims to unite two entities committed to advancing the local industry, boosting national income, and exploring new opportunities in European and Australian markets.
This partnership agreement will pave the way for new opportunities, boost technological innovation and help shape the national industry, said the top Dutch official.
"We shared this pride to provide a means to transfer green technology, which will produce ‘Made in the Emirates’ products soon," he added.