Changing Face of Gas Stations

CHANGING FACE OF GAS STATIONS

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

KHALEEJ TIMES | FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

Sign Of The Times

Muhammad Ali Bandial ali@khaleejtimes.com

The UAE has always been known for its opulence and grandeur. With the country’s vast oil reserves, the gas station culture has been a crucial part of daily life in the UAE. However, with the world moving towards sustainable energy sources and the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the face of gas stations in the UAE is changing.

The UAE government is taking a proactive approach to achieve their ambitious goal of transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

One of the significant steps taken by the government is the launch of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the country’s total energy mix to 50 per cent by 2050. To achieve this, the UAE is focusing on investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear energy.

As part of this transition, the UAE is also reimagining its gas stations. Many new gas stations in the UAE are now being designed to incorporate sustainable practices. These gas stations are not just offering petrol and diesel; they are also serving as a hub for renewable energy, providing EV charging stations, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

One of the innovative initiatives taken by the UAE’s gas stations is the installation of solar panels. These solar panels power the station’s electricity needs and provide surplus energy to the grid. This helps reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy and promotes the use of renewable energy.

Another sustainable initiative taken by the UAE’s gas stations is the installation of EV charging stations. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles, the UAE is providing more EV charging stations across the country. Many gas stations

have now started offering EV charging services to attract environmentally conscious customers. The EV charging stations are powered by renewable energy sources like solar power, making them a greener alternative to traditional petrol stations.

Moreover, the gas stations in the UAE are promoting eco-friendly practices like recycling, water conservation, and waste reduction. These practices are implemented by using sustainable materials for construction, reducing plastic usage, and implementing water-saving measures. Many gas stations in the UAE are now adopting green roofs, which helps reduce heat absorption and improve air quality.

In addition to this, the UAE’s gas stations are now becoming a one-stop-shop for convenience and sustainable prac-

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tices. These gas stations are now offering sustainable products like reusable water bottles, eco-friendly snacks, and organic coffee. This shift towards sustainable practices not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also creates a more positive impact on the environment.

One company that has been playing its part in the march towards sustainability has been the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which has catalysed the collective energy transformation drive. Since its creation half a decade ago, ADNOC Distribution has pioneered the service station experience by investing in countless new offerings. However, the journey is far from over and as a futurefocused company, ADNOC Distribution dreams big, standing at the forefront of change and sustainability, diversifying its offerings and responding to the demands

One of the innovative initiatives taken by the UAE’s gas stations is the installation of solar panels. These solar panels power the station’s electricity needs and provide surplus energy to the grid. This helps reduce the dependence on nonrenewable sources of energy and promotes the use of renewable energy.

of customers and shareholders alike.

ENOC has also been playing its part with one of its flagship initiatives being

the ENOC Service Station of the Future (SSoF), located at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. The SSoF is a showcase of sustainable technology and features, and the first service station in the world to receive the LEED platinum certification. The SSoF also features a 25-metre wind turbine that generates 12.7 MWh of wind energy every year, and 283 solar PV panels that generate 143 MWh of solar power every year. The station deploys carbon filtration technologies to recycle and re-use grey water, condensate water, and storm water for irrigation, and reduce outdoor water consumption. Additionally, the station is equipped with drinkable air units that produce water from ambient humidity for the staff on site. Finally, gas stations are starting to incorporate technology into their operations. This can be seen in the use of mobile apps to pay for fuel, or in the use of AI to optimise the use of energy within the station. The growing use of smart devices is driving the adoption of cashless payments in petrol pumps. The options today include paying with debit/credit cards, digital wallets, as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that deduct the amount from a registered account. These smart payment solutions are enabling people to manage their accounts from anywhere and anytime using smartphones or tablets. Enabling such payments demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to the Smart City initiative, and drives innovation and enhances customer experience.

Overall, the changing face of gas stations in the UAE is a reflection of the country’s commitment to sustainability. By embracing alternative fuels, incorporating sustainable design elements, and incorporating technology into their operations, gas stations are playing a key role in helping the UAE reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The changing face of gas stations in the UAE is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainability. The UAE’s transition towards renewable energy and sustainability is not just limited to gas stations; it is being implemented in various sectors like transportation, construction, and manufacturing. The country’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a challenging task, but the UAE’s innovative and sustainable initiatives are paving the way towards a greener future.

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Member of ENOC Group

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Using the latest in fuelling technology, the eLink Station is capable of filling multiple cars at once at a lower carbon footprint.

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DAMAC Hills, Hydra Village, JAFZA, Living Legends, Meydan, Motor City, The Palm, Town Square, Al Jada and Kalba.

As the world continues to move towards a greener future, the UAE is moving towards sustainability with its gas stations continuously evolving towards a better customer experience

From Oasis convenience stores and rewarding loyalty points, to AI-enabled experiences at service stations, ADNOC Distribution always remains ahead of the game

Staff report

The UAE has come a long way since the 1960s when the first service stations to appear featured nothing more than two or three fuel dispensers on a desolate stretch of land.

The formation of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in 1971 and ADNOC Distribution in 1973 catalysed our collective energy transformation. From day one, the company made startling differences to our daily journeys by continuously reimagining the possibilities of what a service station can offer its customers.

In the 50 years since its inception, the company has pioneered the service station experience by investing in countless new offerings. However, as a future-focused company, ADNOC Distribution dreams big, standing at the forefront of change and sustainability, diversifying its offerings and responding to the demands of customers and shareholders alike.

ADNOC Distribution’s journey of innovation and diversification continues to expand in various directions. For example, the company recently became

Humaid Al Falasi

Gas stations are a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, often overlooked in their role as providers of fuel, snacks, and coffee. However, as the world becomes more environmentally conscious, these humble stations are transforming into hubs of sustainable innovation. At ENOC, we take pride in leading this transformation with a deep commitment to sustainability that permeates every aspect of our business.

One of the most visible examples of this commitment is the evolution of our gas stations; which are no longer simply places to fill up vehicles with fuel, but also centres of innovation and sustainability. For example, we have 54 stations equipped with solar panelled canopies that generate clean energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

One of our flagship initiatives is the ENOC Service Station of the Future (SSoF), located at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. The SSoF is a showcase of sustainable technology and features, and the first service station in the world to receive the LEED platinum certification. This prestigious certification is awarded to buildings that meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency, environmental performance, and sustainability. The SSoF exceeded these standards, securing 93 points in the final review by USGBC, well above the minimum requirement of 80.

The SSoF incorporates a range of cutting-edge sustainable technologies, including on-grid wind turbines for power generation and carbon fibre in the construction of its canopy. Carbon fibre

ADNOC Distribution & TAQA reveal E2GO

the region’s first fuel distributor to introduce innovative ‘Fill & Go’ technology at its service stations. The AI-backed solution utilises the latest innovations in computer vision technologies to offer a hyper-personalised fuelling experience. Customers can opt for an automatic refuelling process based on their preferred fuel type and spending amount, offering a faster and smoother experience. They

are also invited to take advantage of personalised ADNOC Oasis offers presented to them on digital screens.

Critically, ADNOC Distribution also announced plans to reduce its carbon intensity by 25 per cent by 2030, putting sustainability at the core of its day-to-day operations to future-proof its business and deliver sustainable long-term shareholder value. To accomplish this goal, the

company has a wealth of initiatives, from installing solar panels to power service stations and using biofuels in its fleet of vehicles, in addition to expanding its network of EV charging stations.

To that end, one of the most recent innovations for ADNOC Distribution came in early 2023, when the company agreed to establish a mobility joint venture, E2GO, with Abu Dhabi National Energy

ADNOC Distribution: An Energy Story Like No Other Beacon Of Sustainable Innovation

Company (TAQA) to build and operate EV infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. With EV demand projected to grow by 30 per cent annually by 2028, the company is well-positioned to capture a leadership position in this space.

The decision to take the first steps on this journey has come at an opportune time in the development of the UAE’s EV market, with an expected 70,000 charging points required in Abu Dhabi by 2030 to meet growing EV demand.

But perhaps the most important aspect of ADNOC Distribution’s journey is its commitment to giving back to the customers. The company recently announced that customers will earn up to three times more loyalty reward points on every purchase, earning more so they can enjoy more of the quality ADNOC products they love. ADNOC Reward points are redeemable against purchases made across the entire service station offering, including fuel purchases, ADNOC Oasis, carwash, LPG, vehicle inspection centres, and more.

The first-of-its-kind fuel loyalty programme in the UAE, ADNOC Rewards has continuously delivered tailored offers to suit customers’ evolving needs since it was launched in 2019. By investing in its customers and their loyalty, ADNOC Distribution is ensuring that it remains the leading fuel retailer in the UAE and beyond.

Looking forward to the next five decades, ADNOC Distribution’s innovations on the horizon will not only futureproof the company, but also continue to transform the experience customers enjoy across the nation.

of the Future is proof of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable innovation. But sustainability is more than technology — it is a mindset and a way of doing business. At ENOC, we believe that by working together and adopting sustainable practices, we can build a better future for ourselves and future generations. We are proud to lead the way in sustainable fuel retail and are committed to continuing to innovate and reduce our impact on the environment.”

ENOC Link, a subsidiary of ENOC, has been a key player in revolutionising the fuel delivery industry in the UAE. The company has introduced smart fuel delivery trucks that are equipped with state-ofthe-art technology to improve operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance customer satisfaction.

The smart fuel delivery trucks are equipped with GPS tracking systems, smart metres, and electronic gauges that enable real-time monitoring of fuel levels and consumption rates. This allows for accurate and efficient delivery of fuel, reducing wastage and improving fuel economy.

Furthermore, the trucks are designed with advanced safety features, including fire suppression systems and automatic shut-off valves, to minimise risks and ensure the safety of the drivers, customers and the environment.

is a lightweight and eco-friendly material that is three times stronger and five times lighter than steel. More than 43,000 square metres of carbon fibre was used to build the 133 multi-layer canopy frame at the SSoF, which is illuminated with over 3,800 LED light modules.

The canopy itself is made of Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) cushion, a clear and innovative leaf-shaped material that is 100 per cent UV ray protected and corrosion-proof.

The SSoF also features a 25-metre wind turbine that generates 12.7 MWh of wind energy every year, and 283

solar PV panels that generate 143 MWh of solar power every year. The station deploys carbon filtration technologies to recycle and re-use grey water, condensate water, and stormwater for irrigation, and reduce outdoor water consumption. Additionally, the station is equipped with drinkable air units that produce water from ambient humidity for the staff on site.

These sustainable features are just the start of what the SSoF has to offer. The station includes advanced machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics technologies used to customise

services and retail offerings for customers, manage queues and waiting times at the forecourt, and improve the overall customer experience. The build process of the SSoF involved 400,000 man-hours, with zero loss time injury, demonstrating our commitment to adhering to the best health, safety, and environmental practices.

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, stated: “Sustainability is not a buzzword for us — it is at the heart of our business. We are committed to promoting sustainable practices in all our operations. The ENOC Service Station

In conclusion, we at ENOC take great pride in our unwavering dedication to sustainability and our continuous efforts to promote sustainable practices in all our operations. The Service Station of the Future serves as a beacon of sustainable innovation and exemplifies how businesses can lead the way in creating a greener and more sustainable future. By working together and embracing sustainable practices, we firmly believe that we can create a better future not only for ourselves but also for generations to come.

Saif

Group CEO of ENOC highlights the everevolving face of gas stations and the pursuit of sustainability at ENOC