RTA conducts trials to explore application of solar energy operation system to Abras

This is in line with the agency's bid to materialize its vision of providing "safe & smooth transport for all".

Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of RTA Marine Agency, revealed that the Agency conducted some experiments to lift the abra that has been earmarked for application of solar energy system.

Abra No. 119 was hauled up at Al-Shandaga Station to identify its weight, and towed away following removal of fans so as to conduct a water resistance test for the hull of the abra using a special boat. The abra was then towed at 4 stages (2, 4, 6, and 8) km to identify the quantity of energy required to move the abra. The abra was then towed in the direction and anti the direction of the water current to ascertain the impact of the water current on the operational efficiency, particularly when the sun is perpendicular to the sun; a matter which will have tangible impact on the velocity of the water current and smooth navigation of abras in the Creek.

"Marine Agency is always keen to adopt optimum practices aiming at providing innovative solutions capable of upgrading the level of services rendered by the RTA to the public. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of abras operating on solar energy was carried out. Through this initiative, the Agency is aiming at cutting pollution resulting from abra diesel engines by 80%, as well as reducing fuel costs by 65% from Dh3.6 million per annum in diesel operated abras to more than Dh2.2m per annum in solar energy operated abras. The initiative will also slash toxic gas emissions from diesel engine abras (such as CO, CO2, NOx, SO2) by 100%, and reduce noise levels by at least 80%. Moreover, solar energy operated engines have no fuel spillage nor are they affected by the increase in fuel prices, particularly diesel prices which are steadily increasing" said Al Mulla.

About their assessment of the trial and its development, Al Mulla explained that the Marine Agency already made experiments in this regard, where it was detected that the efficiency of existing abra engines was higher than that of the solar energy operated engine, which had been subjected to trials earlier. Therefore, coordination was made with reputable world-class companies specialized in the field of operating boats on solar energy to develop this pilot scheme.