In a significant stride towards sustainability, Miral, the renowned developer of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, recently solidified its commitment to renewable energy by signing an agreement with Emerge, a collaboration between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF. This partnership aims to establish a cutting-edge solar photovoltaic (PV) project at Yas Bay Waterfront, a vibrant hub for dining, entertainment, and leisure located on Yas Island. The project, which boasts a peak capacity of 524 kilowatts, is expected to offset approximately 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, marking a step forward in the UAE’s journey towards achieving a low-carbon economy.
The comprehensive project will see the installation of 920 solar panels strategically placed across the Yas Bay waterfront, a location renowned for attracting both local and international visitors. Emerge is tasked with delivering a full turnkey solution that encompasses financing, design, procurement, construction, operational management, and maintenance of the solar infrastructure for a tenure of 30 years. This initiative represents not only a commitment to the environment but also an investment in the region’s economic viability, supporting the growth of sustainable tourism in the UAE.
Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer of Miral, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with Emerge once again to implement this innovative solar project at Yas Bay, as part of our commitment to the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve Net Zero by 2050.” He added that this venture will serve as a benchmark for clean energy utilization at Yas Bay while enhancing Yas Island’s stature as a premier global destination. Brown emphasized Miral’s dedication to sustainability, highlighting the importance of integrating renewable energy solutions across their various attractions.
In a parallel statement, Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, articulated the firm’s pride in collaborating with Miral for this venture. “We are pleased to once again partner with Miral to deliver this exciting solar project at Yas Bay and to further support their efforts towards a more sustainable future,” he remarked. Abi Saab underscored the project’s significant role in providing reliable clean energy to a venue that draws millions annually, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a leader in sustainability, especially in the context of hosting the upcoming COP28 climate conference.
This latest venture marks Miral and Emerge’s third collaboration, following notable achievements in their previous projects. Earlier this year, they inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, featuring around 16,000 solar panels covering an area of 36,000 square meters. This ambitious project has proven effective in meeting nearly 40% of the park’s annual energy demand, while boasting an impressive capacity of 7 megawatts peak. Additionally, in a preceding initiative in 2022, the two entities partnered to implement on-site solar solutions at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which operates at a capacity of 8.4 megawatts.
Emerge, established in 2021, focuses on providing tailored energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients, with a repertoire that includes distributed solar installations, energy efficiency improvements, battery storage, and hybrid power systems. The company operates as an energy services entity, offering clients comprehensive energy management solutions without necessitating any upfront costs, thereby democratizing access to sustainable energy options.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond mere energy production; they underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility while fostering economic development. Both Miral and Emerge are poised to play pivotal roles in realizing the aspirations of the UAE’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The collaboration also showcases the potential for further renewable energy projects across various sectors in the region.
As Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable development, this solar initiative exemplifies the innovative approaches being adopted to combat climate change and promote a greener, cleaner future. The Yas Bay Waterfront solar project not only enhances the environmental landscape but also signifies a broader shift towards sustainability that stakeholders across the UAE are embracing.
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