Abu Dhabi to deploy laser-based technology to measure vehicle emissions

Abu Dhabi will deploy a remote-sensing system to measure emissions emanating from vehicles on roads.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will commence the measuring of vehicle emissions, and will be deploying US-based Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies (HEAT)’s patented NASA spinoff remote sensing system.

The agency is partnering with 4 Earth Intelligence Environmental Consultancy (4EI) and HEAT.

English Version: We are honored to be working with EAD, the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi. EDAR is the first and only NASA spinoff, laser-based vehicle remote sensing to be deployed in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East.https://t.co/Fuo72hSSkt https://t.co/C8bIlEd2sx

— Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies (@heatrsd) February 2, 2023

The system called Edar (emissions detection and reporting), will detect and quantify on-road emissions using its laser-based overhead detectors, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.

The testing period will last for three weeks, and will be conducted at six locations across Abu Dhabi.

The EAD will be able to measure various gases being emitted from the tailpipe of a moving vehicle in real time. It will also identify the vehicle licence plate number, to acquire its technical information such as the brand, model, fuel type, emission standard and vehicle weight. No personal data will be used in this study, the statement said.

Remote-sensing systems measure nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter.

The initiative will help “identify the main emitting vehicle classes and technologies, and help support the design of effective mitigation measures”, the statement 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 well-informed decisions,” said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary-general of EAD.

EAD will partner with three Abu Dhabi entities – Abu Dhabi Police, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) on this initiative.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport prioritises environmental sustainability