Abdul Karim Al Khaiji

Bahraini inventor who revolutionized renewable energy storage through nano-graphene batteries

Abdul Karim Al Khaiji (b.1975) is a Bahraini chemical engineer whose groundbreaking work in nano-materials has transformed renewable energy storage. His 2012 discovery of graphene-based supercapacitors enabled 10x faster charging and 3x higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries. This innovation was critical in making solar and wind energy viable for small island nations like Bahrain, where he established the Khaiji Energy Research Institute.

Al Khaiji's NanoGrid system powers over 200,000 homes in GCC countries through decentralized microgrids. His patented SeaCharge technology harnesses seawater to cool batteries, reducing operational costs by 40%. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) credits his work with accelerating the Gulf region's renewable transition by 15 years.

He developed the world's first solar-powered desalination plant in 2018 using his energy storage systems, providing clean water to 500,000 people annually. His open-source battery designs have been adopted by over 30 developing nations through the Global Energy Access Initiative.

Al Khaiji's research at MIT (2005-2010) laid foundations for modern nano-battery tech. He received the 2020 Global Energy Prize and founded the Women in Energy scholarship program, training 1,200 female engineers across the Middle East. His recent work on hydrogen storage using graphene aerogels could revolutionize long-distance renewable energy transport.