R&D

Masdar City is the home for technology and sustainability innovation, research and development in Abu Dhabi. 

R&D Initiatives

Water

Air-to-Water
Masdar is collaborating with Zero Mass Water to turn water vapour into drinking water through an innovative device called SOURCE. The self-contained device makes, mineralises and delivers drinking water by extracting water vapour from the air using fans and absorbent materials, before collecting it in a reservoir and treating it with minerals. The device is also powered by solar panels.

Mobility

Eco-Bus
The Eco-Bus was unveiled at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2018. The bus was jointly developed by Masdar and Abu Dhabi-based Hafilat Industry in collaboration with the Masdar Institute. Technology partner Siemens provided the bus’s engine, which has a range of 150 kilometres per charge. The Eco-Bus comprises a lightweight aluminium body and temperature-resistant, water-cooled batteries. The bus has been designed with advanced air-conditioning and electrochromic windows that enhance shading. A low-entry floor enables easy access while the bus has a seated capacity of 27 and additional safe-standing room. The Eco-Bus is currently being tested in Abu Dhabi.
Solar Powered Hydrogen Fuelling Station
Masdar is collaborating with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Air Liquide, and Toyota distributor Al-Futtaim Motors to explore the potential of hydrogen-powered mobility solutions. The partnership involves the installation of a solar powered hydrogen fueling station at Masdar City to operate a fleet of around 20 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars over a period of three years..

Agriculture

Madar Farms
Masdar City and UAE-based agri-tech startup Madar Farms have installed the Leafy Green Machine container at Masdar Park, a small-scale and vertical hydroponic farm that grows more than 30 variants of herbs and lettuce for sale throughout the year. Through this collaboration with Madar Farms, Masdar City is supporting efforts to promote food security and more sustainable agriculture.
Seawater Energy and Agriculture System
The Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS) research facility is an initiative of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC). It aims to support the emergence of a commercially viable aviation biofuel industry while exploring more sustainable farming methods suitable for the UAE. The project at Masdar City recycles wastewater from an aquafarm to irrigate oil-rich and saltwater-tolerant salicornia plants. The remaining wastewater is filtered through a natural mangrove before being discharged into the sea. The SBRC was established by the Masdar Institute in partnership with Etihad Airways, Boeing and Honeywell UOP. Takreer (Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company), Safran and GE Aviation have since joined the research group.