Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala) and ENGIE, a global energy giant, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the establishment of a digital platform for charging electric cars in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East area.

The two firms will collaborate on the creation of a digital platform that will feature a collaborative solution for the construction and operation of charging infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, according to the agreement. Furthermore, the parties will investigate further areas of partnership linked to sustainable mobility.

With the transportation industry known to be a large contributor to the global carbon footprint, electric cars are seen as a route to decarbonizing the mobility sector, with emissions from EVs up to 43 percent lower than conventionally powered vehicles, according to Carbon Brief. Creating an EV-friendly digital platform can help the UAE fulfil the goals of its Strategic Initiatives Net Zero by 2050.

Badr Al Olama, executive director of UAE Investments in Mubadala Investment Company, and Ian Harfield, managing director of ENGIE Energy Solutions, inked the deal (GCC).

"Our partnership with ENGIE will help the development of a digital platform for charging electric cars, as well as the creation of accessible, safe, and sustainable transportation options to promote the UAE's climate change agenda," Badr Al Olama stated.

Harfield stated, "By 2030, 60 percent of the world population will live in cities. As a result, one of the most difficult issues for urban planners will be to provide sustainable mobility. Adoption of clean fuels and electrification of public and private transportation systems will be critical levers for lowering carbon emissions and pollutants in cities."

"We contribute decades of worldwide knowledge and expertise to the Middle East green energy business at ENGIE. We rated first in France for (bio) gas fuelling stations, second in the world (excluding China) for EV charging retail and installation of charging devices, including ownership and operation of semi-public and public EV charging networks, and fourth in Europe for H2 fueling stations," he said.