The United Arab Emirates and France will cooperate to develop a huge solar energy project in Abu Dhabi that aims to offset 450 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The 524-kilowatt solar PV system will be constructed on the Yas Bay waterfront by master developer Miral in partnership with Emerge, a joint venture between UAE-based Masdar and French company EDF.
The clean energy initiative will include the installation of 920 solar modules at the entertainment and dining centre, and will support the UAE’s goals of achieving net-zero emissions.
Emerge will be responsible for the project’s financing, design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the solar modules for 30 years, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Monday.
It has not been revealed when construction will begin on the green masterplan.
Jonathan Brown, Portfolio CEO at Miral, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Emerge once again to implement this innovative solar project in Yas Bay as part of our commitment to the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve net zero by 2050.”
“This project will set a benchmark in providing clean energy to power Yas Bay and enhance Yas Island’s position as a leading global destination.
“This partnership represents our commitment to prioritizing sustainable practices and incorporating renewable energy elements across our destinations.”
Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, said the agreement will help pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Clean energy engine
Abi Saab said: “We are confident that the 524 kilowatt project will help provide clean, high-quality, reliable energy to this leading entertainment destination, which attracts millions of visitors from home and abroad.”
“As the UAE prepares to host Cop28, this project demonstrates the sustainable impact that can be achieved across many other entertainment locations as we work towards the country’s net-zero emissions target.”
This is the latest collaboration between Miral and Emerge to support the green vision of the UAE.
In March, Miral opened the largest rooftop solar project in Abu Dhabi at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
The plan includes installing 16,000 solar units on the roof of the amusement park, which extends over an area of 36,000 square metres, generating approximately 40 percent of its annual energy needs.
Last year, Miral and Emerge concluded a deal to deploy solar energy systems on site at SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Emerge was established as a joint venture between Masdar and EDF in 2021 to develop distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial customers.
Updated: October 16, 2023 at 9:53 AM
