Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has signed a collaboration agreement with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), under which the company will install and operate a series of electric vehicle chargers across its campuses. The partnership supports the UAE’s efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.
This step also aligns with the launch of UAEV, a joint venture between EtihadWE and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which was recently announced and aims to provide at least 100 fast chargers across the nation by the end of 2024. The stations to be installed on the campuses will feature advanced charging systems that offer fast and reliable charging options, supported by a high-efficiency digital system.
The agreement was signed by Ahmed Hassan Al Ali, Vice President – Customer Service at Etihad Water and Electricity, and Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Vice President – Shared Services at the Higher Colleges of Technology.
The stations installed at the Higher Colleges of Technology will feature state-of-the-art charging systems, including fast chargers capable of delivering quick top-ups, supported by UAEV’s robust digital backend. This optimises charging efficiency, ensuring that users have access to reliable and fast charging options.
Commenting on the agreement, the Vice President – Customer Service at EtihadWE stated that this partnership with the HCT is part of the company’s commitment to playing a key role in supporting the national roadmap towards a green and sustainable transport system. This aligns with the National Electric vehicle Policy, a domain where Etihad Water and Electricity takes pride in being a key partner with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. He explained that this current agreement is among a series of similar agreements the company has signed recently, marking the second of its kind with higher education institutions in the UAE.
Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Vice President of Shared Services at the Higher Colleges of Technology, highlighted that environmental sustainability is a strategic priority for the Higher Colleges of Technology. It aligns with the colleges’ own sustainability framework launched this year, coinciding with the Year of Sustainability. He added that this collaboration would support the colleges in achieving one of their key plans within this framework, which involves providing charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles on campus. This initiative encourages staff and students to use electric and hybrid vehicles, positively impacting the colleges’ environmental sustainability goals.
Electric vehicle adoption in the UAE started to take off in 2023, with a sharp increase in penetration, up from 3.7% in 2022 to 11.3% in 2023. There are currently more than 40,000 EVs in the UAE. The transition to electric vehicles is expected to have tangible positive impacts on multiple sectors including transportation, energy, and the environment, in addition to enhancing the economic capabilities and potential of the country.
About EtihadWE:
EtihadWE was established in 2020 under the Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2020 to carry out the duties assigned to The Federal Electricity & Water Authority at that time. It is wholly owned by the Emirates Investment Authority and is mandated to meet the needs of the northern emirates of electricity and desalinated water. EtihadWE seeks to become global leader and achieve the highest levels of excellence in the field of services it provides, achieve sustainability, reduce waste in natural resources, launch institutional initiatives aimed at supporting economic sustainability and preserving the environment, in addition to fulfill its social responsibilities.