Abu Dhabi launches system to measure vehicle emissions
Using the accumulated data we will be able to devise mitigation plans and programmes so that we can reduce emissions entering the air we breathe, further improving residents’ safety and wellbeing.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri Secretary-general of EAD
A new system that will detect and quantify on-road emissions using laser-based remote sensing technology has been rolled out in Abu Dhabi.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced on Thursday that it will begin remotely measuring vehicle emissions in Abu Dhabi using the latest innovative technology.
The project is being carried out in partnership with 4 Earth Intelligence Environmental Consultancy LLC (4EI) and Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies (HEAT) of the United States.
EAD will be using HEAT'S patented NASA Spinoff remotesensing system, EDAR (Emissions Detection and Reporting), which will detect and quantify on-road emissions using its laserbased overhead detectors in real time. The testing period will last for three weeks and be conducted across six different locations in Abu Dhabi.
Through this non-intrusive technology, EAD will be able to accurately detect and quantify various gases being emitted from the tailpipe of a moving vehicle in real-time. This is in addition to identifying the vehicle licence plate number, which is used only to acquire technical information of the vehicle, like brand, model, fuel type, emission standard and vehicle weight. No personal data will be used in this study.
The initiative is a part of the Integrated Air Quality Management Programme established by EAD. It will establish a baseline for future policies and regulations, identify the main emitting vehicle classes and technologies, and help support the design of effective mitigation measures. The study will also establish the input data for air quality modelling, develop local air and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors, while enhancing academic research and innovation projects.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary-general of EAD, said: “At EAD, our core mandate is ensuring the best quality of life for everyone living in Abu Dhabi and that our air quality is of the highest standards. This project is a major step in the right direction for us to contribute to Abu Dhabi government's vision of the city being the most liveable in the world.”
She added: “We know that the transport sector contributes to pollutants in the air and we want to be scientifically certain that we have the latest research at hand to be able to make correct and wellinformed decisions. This will facilitate our capability to implement the most effective policies for the greater good of the community. We are always keen to use the latest advanced technology and through remote sensing of vehicle emissions we will be able to gather real-time data without disrupting traffic.
“Using the accumulated data we will be able to devise mitigation plans and programmes so that we can reduce emissions entering the air we breathe, further improving residents' safety and wellbeing.”