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As part of a dedicated effort to improve air quality, Abu Dhabi is moving to the next level by adopting space laser technology to measure vehicle emission levels on some of its busiest highways. A remote-sensing device is now fixed for the same purpose throughout the capital, and plans call for getting data in real-time on different types of emitted pollutants on the roads.

This technology was welcomed to the Middle East for the first time by the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi to gather data, and it will aid in the development of efficient mitigation measures. Edar, an unmanned device that does emissions detection and reporting, is mounted on a 5-meter pole above the road and uses its laser-based overhead detectors to remotely detect exhaust plumes from both light- and heavy-duty motors.

The Role of NASA Technology on Earth

The Nasa Spinoff System is a monitoring device, and the specified term is used to refer to space agency technology that is later applied to improve life on Earth. Hager Environmental and Atmospheric Technologies, also known as "Heat," of the US patented it; the local project partner was 4EI (4 Earth Intelligence). 

In the opinion of Stewart Hager, the chief executive of Heat, outer space usually makes use of remote sensing technology. It is similar to a spacecraft orbiting the earth's pole. It resembles an OCO [Orbiting Carbon Observatory] satellite, one of the numerous satellites that orbit the earth. They can easily count the CO2 molecules in a column of air by firing a laser down into the atmosphere. The same is accomplished by this one.

But here, Stewart Hager scans and creates an image like a line camera. The system acquired the skill of having top accuracy and easily finding nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Moreover, it detects the license plate number of the vehicles, which will be used to evaluate technical data. This information includes brand, vehicle weight, fuel type, model, and emission standard. According to the statement from authorities, this study will not touch on personal details. The plan of installing Edar at 6 locations in Abu Dhabi with a three-week testing period is on the green light.

Road Traffic; One of the Top Sources of Emissions

According to Oriol Teixido, a scientist at the environment agency who works on noise and air quality, road traffic in Abu Dhabi is one of the top sources of emissions, with a recorded measurement of 74%. A crucial reason is the unlimited number of cars on the road. It also happens all across the world in big cities.

This initiative will assist in comprehending the overall contribution of vehicle emissions and the proportion that is attributable to cars, motorcycles, and used cars. Here, the governmental bodies are seriously planning for the future and enhancing the air quality environment.

The UAE Air Emissions Inventory Project, which analyzed anthropogenic sources of pollution, detected that fields account for slightly over two-thirds of PM2.5s, particle matter with a size of up to 2.5 micrometers, while road transport accounts for about a fifth. Desalination and power production accounts for around 3% of the issue.

As one of the major air pollution indicators, PM2.5 exposure in the UAE is somewhat below average globally. To combat air pollution in the nation, the UAE presented the National Air Quality Agenda 2031 in September 2022. According to Teixido, testing was initiated in Mussafah's industrial zone to better find out how trucks affect air quality.

The project is a big bone of the agency's Integrated Air Quality Management Program. According to the Agency Secretary General, Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, this project is a major step towards the goal of Abu Dhabi becoming the world's most livable city. 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 well-informed decisions."

The Integrated Transport Centre, the Abu Dhabi Police, the Monitoring and Control Center, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport have joined forces with the environment agency to implement the plan.

Now let's think about the duties of each of the drivers. It’s our duty to maintain our vehicle perfectly with all the required documents under the laws of the nation. You must ensure your vehicle’s efficiency and meet the emission standards. It’s all for our country’s environmental health!