The UAE is considering plans to develop its first recycling plant for spent electric vehicle batteries amid a wider push to support green mobility, hit its net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and create a circular economy.
Sharjah-based environmental management company Beeah Group signed an agreement with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the American University of Sharjah to explore collaboration on establishing the plant, Beeah said on Thursday.
The project is intended to ensure “future readiness” and prepare for the electric vehicle market, said Sharif Al Olama, the ministry's Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs.
“Leveraging the intelligence from Beeah Recycling and the latest research from AUS, we look forward to identifying the right solution to support green mobility in our sustainable cities and communities,” Mr Al Olama said.
“Our exploration will also be aligned with the national and global sustainability agenda, which prioritises achieving net-zero emissions, diverting waste from landfill and creating a circular economy.”
As a market, the UAE is among the world's top 10 countries that is geared towards electric mobility, according to a September report from consultancy Arthur D Little.
The country’s EV market, which is currently in its early stages, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 30 per cent between 2022 and 2028, the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index 2022, compiled by the consultancy, showed.
While there is a government-backed effort to build EV infrastructure, high prices have deterred drivers from switching to electric cars.
But the entry of new players in the industry and a recent sharp rise in fuel prices have made EVs more appealing.
The agreement to set up the recycling plant EV batteries comes at a time when the UAE has already committed $163 billion to reach net zero by 2050.
The plant will not only support the sustainable growth of the EV industry but also help to build emissions-free transport networks, said Beeah Recycling chief executive Daker El-Rabaya.
AUS will carry out the research and provide the required expertise.
The project will help to make EVs cheaper and sustainable in the long run while protecting the environment “from toxicities” and supplying the necessary raw materials, AUS provost Prof Juan Sanchez said.
The pact was signed during the 2023 World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The five pillars of Islam
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
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- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE APPRENTICE
Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 3/5
