Curtin University Dubai has secured a prestigious research grant from AD Ports Group to spearhead the development of sustainable energy solutions designed to accelerate the UAE’s transition towards its Net Zero 2050 targets. This strategic collaboration bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application, with a focus on optimising renewable energy within the maritime and logistics sectors.
The partnership was facilitated by the Dubai office of the Government of Western Australia, following an impactful keynote address by Chithirai Pon Selvan, Director of Research and Head of School – Science and Engineering at Curtin Dubai, at AD Ports’ Innovation Day 2024. The alignment between the two organisations led to a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AD Ports Group and Curtin University, establishing a framework for long-term technological collaboration.
The primary research initiative, titled “Optimising Energy Demand and Supply at Abu Dhabi Ports: The Role of Solar PV Technologies,” has been awarded an initial AED 100,000 in funding. Scheduled to run from March 2025 to February 2027, the study is led by Professor Pon in collaboration with Wahidul Biswas from Curtin’s Australian campus and PhD scholar Mahesh Raj Nagaraja. The team aims to address the unique challenges of maintaining solar efficiency in the Middle East’s demanding environmental conditions.
The project focuses on several critical technological advancements, including the development of automated cleaning robots and specialised cooling systems to prevent photovoltaic degradation caused by heat and dust. To enable precise energy management, the researchers are integrating smart monitoring tools such as IoT and blockchain for real-time data insights. These innovations are designed to maximise renewable energy output while reducing the operational carbon footprint of port facilities.
Professor Pon emphasised that the project reflects Curtin’s commitment to delivering industry-aligned solutions that address urgent global challenges. By working alongside major government-linked entities such as AD Ports Group, Curtin University Dubai continues to contribute to the development of practical, scalable innovations that support national sustainability priorities.
This collaboration not only strengthens Curtin University Dubai’s position as a growing hub for renewable energy research but also reinforces AD Ports Group’s leadership in advancing sustainable maritime operations. By developing high-efficiency solar models suited to regional conditions, the partnership demonstrates the impact of research-driven innovation in supporting the UAE’s long-term sustainability ambitions.
As Curtin University Dubai continues to expand its research footprint, collaborations like this highlight its role in driving industry-relevant innovation that delivers tangible impact, both within the UAE and across the wider region.
