EGA & Mubadala to launch UAE’s first national high-temperature materials research & innovation lab

Mubadala Investment Company, in partnership with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Strata Manufacturing Company, and Khalifa University of Science and Technology, has embarked on an ambitious initiative to create the UAE's first national laboratory and research program focused on high-temperature materials. This joint effort seeks to develop a centre of excellence for both academic and industrial research within the nation, removing the reliance on conducting such studies overseas.

Image Source- EGA website

Enhancing UAE's research capabilities

The initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the UAE's research capabilities and aligns with the nation's vision of fostering innovation and technological advancement. Situated on Khalifa University's main campus in Abu Dhabi, this state-of-the-art facility is set to enhance research capabilities on high-temperature materials in the UAE greatly. The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering strategic partnerships between academia and industry, emphasising collaborative, multidisciplinary research and development efforts.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, stated, "At EGA, one of our core values is to continuously improve our business and operations through innovation. This new state-of-the-art laboratory and research programme will strengthen the UAE's position as a leader in industrial technology development and drive forward the country's Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy. For EGA, it means we can conduct even more of our practical research here in the UAE, solving challenges locally and contributing to the UAE's research capabilities. I look forward to some ground-breaking results from this collaboration."

Aim of the collaboration

The aim is to foster long-term strategic partnerships that actively involve and commit both academia and industry to collaborative, multidisciplinary advanced R&D initiatives. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) plans to leverage the laboratory and research program for practical investigations into refractories, carbon-based materials, anode baking furnaces, and waste management. EGA's research will prioritise capturing and recovering heat energy from its industrial processes to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly half of all energy is currently lost as waste heat in the context of aluminium smelting.

EGA's net-zero goal

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. It has developed a comprehensive roadmap to decarbonise its operations. EGA has collaborated with other industries in the UAE for over a decade to find productive applications for by-products from aluminium production. The company has successfully developed re-uses for various waste streams from its operations, including bauxite residue, spent pot lining, carbon dust, and dross.

EGA's technology and development team actively collaborates with universities in the UAE and internationally. Academic partnerships include institutions such as Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, Rochester Institute of Technology, Abu Dhabi University, and the American University in Dubai, as well as international partners like the University of Auckland, University of New South Wales, and MIT.

His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, added, "We are glad to see the enduring and fruitful relationship with Emirates Global Aluminium, Mubadala Investment Company, and Strata. Manufacturing remains cemented through the development of capability and capacity at Khalifa University. The trust of the industry in Khalifa University to provide localised solutions and adapt to their unique industrial challenges is a testament to the advanced and applied research competencies that the university offers. This achievement is a result of over a decade of collaboration with our industrial partners, which has enabled us to build capacity and gain a deeper understanding of industrial needs. Today, we are cementing that trust and confidence from the industry by localising research, development, and innovation in the UAE. We look forward to seeing industries across the region and globally follow suit as we continue to provide tailored solutions and adapt to industry trends."

Mubadala Investment Company is dedicated to initiating advanced R&D programs that build capabilities in areas crucial to both the company and the nation. Emphasis will be placed on applied research and delivering solutions to meet essential technical needs. Furthermore, Mubadala aims to cultivate skilled UAE scientists, technologists, and innovators, preparing them for successful careers in R&D.