ADNOC's Kinetic Battery Charger to Boost UAE Net Zero Goal

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has launched a first-of-its-kind trial with Revterra to test an innovative kinetic battery system at its E2GO EV charging hub in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. 

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, kinetic batteries store energy mechanically, offering a potentially longer lifespan and reduced reliance on chemical reactions, according to a paper written by Anurga Chauhan via ScienceDirect.

This collaboration is a milestone in ADNOC’s strategy to advance climate technology and decarbonise the transport sector while building the UAE’s clean energy future.

A sustainable charging solution

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, Revterra’s kinetic battery uses recycled steel and rotational energy storage to deliver high-speed EV charging with minimal environmental impact. 

This novel approach not only reduces reliance on scarce or hazardous materials but also allows for the potential integration of 100% locally sourced UAE steel, opening new doors for domestic industry and job creation.

"The trial underscores our commitment to innovation – to decarbonise, diversify our energy sources and to achieve net zero by 2045," wrote ADNOC on LinkedIn.

The pilot is part of ADNOC’s broader ambition to scale climate technologies with practical impact. Revterra was awarded a US$1m pilot trial following its win in the ADNOC Decarbonisation Technology Challenge, a global competition that attracted 650 startups from 50 countries.

An EV vision

ADNOC Distribution, alongside the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), is advancing plans to build and operate EV charging infrastructure through the E2GO joint venture. 

This initiative aims to meet soaring demand for electric vehicles in the UAE, where the EV market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 30% between 2022 and 2028.

E2GO hopes it is strategically positioned to address the estimated need for 70,000 EV charging points in Abu Dhabi by 2030. 

Backed by a planned capital expenditure of up to US$200m, the joint venture will deploy a network of fast chargers and related digital services, including parking, tolling and customer engagement platforms.

"As electric vehicle adoption grows in the UAE, ADNOC Distribution and TAQA are well placed to meet the evolving needs of EV customers through the creation of the E2GO venture,” says His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of ADNOC Distribution.

“ADNOC Distribution will continue to capitalise on energy transition opportunities that make commercial sense, while remaining a reliable supplier of our customers’ energy needs."

Policy backing and climate alignment

The rollout of E2GO is reinforced by Abu Dhabi’s newly launched regulatory framework for EV charging infrastructure, developed by the Department of Energy (DoE). 

This policy supports the circular carbon economy and underpins the UAE’s net zero by 2050 agenda.

“We welcome the ADNOC Distribution - TAQA partnership, an important initiative aimed at supporting EV charging infrastructure development in the emirate,” said His Excellency Eng. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. 

“The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is committed to realise the UAE’s leadership vision and take decisive actions to promote all necessary policies, such as sustainable transport, as the critical route to drive the energy transition.”

The joint venture also aligns with the goals of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). 

“This new partnership aligns with one of the most important priorities of DMT, which is to support the sustainable mobility goals that the Abu Dhabi government seeks to achieve,” said His Excellency Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.

“We aim to provide a sustainable infrastructure that reflects the department’s commitment to implementing our policy to reduce carbon emissions in line with the UAE’s strategic initiative to strive to achieve climate neutrality by 2050."

Strengthening national sustainability

TAQA brings significant weight to the initiative as one of the largest integrated utilities in the EMEA region, with a mandate to supply more than 90% of Abu Dhabi’s power and water needs. 

The company sees transport electrification as a crucial lever for national decarbonisation.

“Decarbonising transport is an essential part of the UAE’s drive towards achieving its net zero ambitions,” said His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of TAQA. 

“The development of EV infrastructure facilitated by the E2GO joint venture will help bridge the gap in delivering clean energy to the wider public.”

Both ADNOC Distribution and TAQA have long-standing commitments to clean energy.

ADNOC already provides Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across 31 stations in the UAE and operates a CNG-only station in Abu Dhabi. 

Meanwhile, TAQA continues to expand its low-carbon footprint through strategic energy and water projects across 11 countries.