Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) has formulated a technical regulation for hydrogen cell vehicles that emit water vapour, making the UAE the first in the GCC to create legislation for such environment-friendly units.

Demonstrating support for the GCC nation’s post-oil era strategy, the UAE's legislative effort has been initiated at three levels, Abdullah Al Maeeni, Esma's director general, said according to state news agency, Wam.

The process firstly included the adoption of environment-friendly vehicles, followed up the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). Zero-emission vehicles, such as hydrogen-powered units, are the latest initiative in Esma's push towards sustainable mobility.

Esma's backing for hydrogen-powered vehicles started with cylinder testing, checking the types of storage tanks and metals being used, tracking valve safety.

"The system will determine the requirements for cutting other parts connected to the gas system, as well as the need for these parts to be suitable for use with gases and bear pressure from the cylinder,'' Al Maeeni said.

Al Maeeni said he was hopeful that more vehicle manufactures will shift to hydrogen-cell vehicles in the future due to their benefits such as cutting carbon dioxide emissions, quick refilling time, and mileage of 500-650km through the hydrogen tank.

Hydrogen power is steadily finding takers in the GCC. In February 2019, the region’s first green hydrogen energy facility was unveiled within Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (MBR Solar Park).

When it is complete, the facility will generate hydrogen energy to power fuel-cell vehicles for the 50km distance between MBR Solar Park and Expo 2020 Dubai’s site.