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• The consortium, Air-CRAFT, is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and comprises eight founding entities: ADNOC, Boeing, Emirates, ENOC Group, Etihad, Honeywell, Khalifa University, Masdar

In the UAE Year of Sustainability, and at the 3^rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) was held in Dubai, eight founding entities announced the launch of the “Air-CRAFT” initiative - a UAE based research consortium focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies.

Air-CRAFT, or the UAE Centre for Renewable and Advanced Fuel Technologies for Aviation, is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will bring together entities across the value chain – industrial policy makers, aviation regulators, fuel producers, academia and researchers, aircraft and powerplant manufacturers, and airline operators. While based in the UAE, the consortium will also engage with, and welcome the participation of relevant international entities as it progresses. The new initiative was announced on the sidelines of CAAF/3 today and ahead of COP28.

Air-CRAFT is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE and Chairman of the GCAA said:

The collaboration is in support of the UAE’s National SAF Roadmap principles and the commercial aviation industry’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050. At CAAF/3 today, senior representatives from the eight consortium entities signed a strategic collaboration agreement to kickstart the Air-CRAFT initiative.

Potential research topics at Air-CRAFT include environmental impact assessments, feedstock and process optimization, and techno-economic assessments. Air-CRAFT will also establish relevant links with other academic and research institutions in the UAE and internationally.

The U.S. government supports Air-CRAFT being linked to the intergovernmental US-UAE ‘Partnership to Accelerate Transition to Clean Energy’ (PACE) agreement.

The consortium’s industrial and institutional partners will provide market demand, expertise, and technology to support research into the production of alternative fuels for the aviation sector, and extends an open invitation to UAE and international entities to join the consortium. Air-CRAFT is already in advanced discussions with key and strategic global players to be announced in due course.

Hanan Balalaa, Senior Vice President, New Energies, ADNOC, said:

Brian Moran, vice president, Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships at Boeing, said:

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior VP for International Affairs, Emirates Airline, said:

His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said:

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Airways, said:

Mohammed Mohaisen, President and CEO Middle East and North Africa, Honeywell, said:

Dr. Steven Griffiths, Senior Vice-President, Research and Development, and Professor of Practice, Khalifa University, said:

Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer for Masdar, said:

More about the UAE’s decarbonisation efforts

The UAE is a global energy leader actively pursuing the decarbonization of its economy. It was the first country in the Gulf region to sign the Paris Agreement and the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to commit to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. It is also the host of COP28, and has declared 2023 as the Year of Sustainability in the country.

The biggest decarbonization lever available to the aviation industry is the adoption of SAF. For long-haul commercial flights in particular, no other technology platform is expected to significantly contribute to carbon neutrality goals in the next three decades at least, due to cost, technical or regulatory barriers.

Despite its critical role in decarbonization pathways for the aviation sector, SAF is supply-constrained and needs to be scaled rapidly.

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has published the National SAF Roadmap which has five principles to guide the industry in accelerating the decarbonization of the sector and transform it into a regional hub for alternative aviation fuels. The five principles are:

1. Establishing the Ambition: 700 million liters of SAF by 2030

2. Accelerating SAF Technology Deployment and Innovation

3. Developing the National Regulatory Environment for SAF

4. Building Local Capacity to Boost In-Country Value

5. Leading International Collaboration

The Center for Renewable and Advanced Fuel Technologies for Aviation (Air-CRAFT) will pursue the industrialization of SAF production and create an ecosystem to address the five principles of the National SAF Roadmap.

• HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, unveils 2 gigawatt (GW) Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project, already supplying clean, emissions free electricity to the UAE national grid

• The world-leading, single-site solar power plant will power almost 200,000 homes and eliminate over 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year

• During construction, almost 4 million bi-facial solar panels installed at an average rate of 10 megawatts (MW) a day

• UAE ranked second in the world in per capita solar energy usage

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, and its partners Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), EDF Renewables and JinkoPower, together with procurer Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), have inaugurated the world’s largest single-site solar power plant ahead of the UAE hosting the UN climate change conference, COP28.

The 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project was inaugurated by HH Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and in the presence of HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, is proceeding with its strategic plans to enhance its energy security by implementing a diverse range of flexible energy generation that is contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, while also advancing the economy.

HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said:

Located 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city, the landmark solar plant was built in a single phase and generates enough electricity to power almost 200,000 homes, displacing 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Al Dhafra Solar PV spans more than 20 square kilometers of desert and created 4,500 jobs during the peak of the construction phase. It uses almost 4 million solar panels which deploy innovative bi-facial technology, ensuring sunlight is captured on both sides of the panels to maximize yield.

In less than fifteen years, the UAE has become a global leader in solar energy. In 2009, Masdar switched on the country’s first solar project at 10MW - today, Al Dhafra Solar PV represents a plant that is 200 times that size. As the countdown to COP28 in the UAE begins, this mega project initially achieved the world’s lowest tariff at financial close, and demonstrates the country’s longstanding commitment to decarbonization, at home and around the world.

The UAE is also a world leader in solar energy use, according to the latest data from The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy, ranking second globally in terms of per capita solar energy consumption. In under a decade, the country has surpassed leading nations by installing solar energy, as part of the country’s energy diversification.

HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan listened to a detailed explanation from HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, and a number of Masdar employees about the project, its strategic importance, and its role in enhancing national energy security.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, said:

The delivery of the project was made possible after global energy leaders formed a strategic partnership and harnessed their combined expertise. Al Dhafra Solar PV, planned and procured by EWEC, has broken records in terms of cost for utility-scale solar projects. Initially the project led to one of the most competitive tariffs for solar power set at AED 4.97 fils/kWh (USD 1.35 cents/kWh), which upon financial close, was further improved to AED 4.85 fils/kWh (USD 1.32 cents/kWh).

The ceremony was attended by HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; HE Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and Deputy Chairman of Masdar; HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala; HE Engineer Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi; HE Jabr Mohammed Al Suwaidi Minister State; HE Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE; Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director; Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC; Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar; Bruno Bensasson, EDF Group Senior Executive Vice-President Renewable Energies and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Renewables; and Charles Bai, President of Jinko Power International Business.

HE Engineer Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, affirmed that the inauguration of Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic marks a new and strategic step that enhances the United Arab Emirates’ and Abu Dhabi’s position in the clean and renewable energy sector. It also underscores their active role in driving global growth in this sector, aligning with the wise leadership’s commitment to promoting clean technologies and renewable energy solutions on a broad scale, as well as strengthening global efforts in climate action and advancing the implementation of the UAE Net Zero 2050.

HE Awaidha Murshed Al Marar added:

HE Awaidha Murshed Al Marar added:

Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said:

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said:

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said:

Bruno Bensasson, EDF Group Senior Executive Vice-President Renewable Energies and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Renewables, said:

Charles Bai, President of Jinko Power International Business, said:

TAQA owns 40 percent of the project, Masdar owns 20 percent while the remaining partners, EDF Renewables and Jinko Power, own a 20 percent stake each. The plant will supply power to the procurer EWEC – following the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed in 2020 - and will raise Abu Dhabi’s solar power production capacity to 3.2GW.

• Infinity Power and Senelec have signed a 20-year Capacity Change Agreement (CCA) to provide 160MWh through a battery energy storage system (BESS)

• The project will support the stabilisation of Senegal’s national grid and the expansion of renewable energy supply across Senegal, avoiding 37,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year

• The BESS is to be built at the Tobène substation in Thies, Senegal. It will be operated by Infinity Power’s 158.7 MW wind farm in Senegal, Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye (PETN)

Infinity Power, a joint venture between Egypt’s Infinity and UAE’s Masdar, announced today the signing of a 20-year Capacity Change Agreement with Senelec, Senegal’s national electricity company to supply 40MW through a battery energy storage system (BESS). The system will enable Senelec to stabilise the nation’s electricity grid and pave the way for further renewable energy growth in Senegal.

The project will be operated by Infinity Power’s Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye (PETN) windfarm, located approximately 70km north of Dakar. The windfarm supplies 158.7MW of clean, renewable wind energy to over 2 million people across Senegal. PETN represents a 15% uplift in Senegal’s renewable generation capacity, and is the largest wind farm in West Africa.

Construction of the battery energy storage system is expected to commence in early 2024 at the Tobène substation in Thies and is expected to become operational in 2025. Once complete, it will be one of the largest of its kind in West Africa, and will help Senegal to avoid approximately 37,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The BESS will also provide ancillary services such as frequency regulation, reactive power support, and energy charge and discharge.

With this project, Infinity Power aims to further its commitment to empowering a future of sustainable, renewable energy across Africa. The BESS will support Senelec in reducing its dependence on reserve capacity derived from thermal plants, with Senelec estimating that the BESS will save the grid an estimated $165 million over its operating life.

Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Chairman of Infinity Power said,

Nayer Fouad, CEO of Infinity Power added,

Commenting on the project agreement, Papa Mademba Biteye, General Manager at Senelec said;

The BESS facility project previously received a grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund initial feasibility studies at the site and the analysis necessary to implement and operate the battery storage system. On the other hand, Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye has initiated negotiations with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms and project finance lenders to plan and outline requirements for the technical side of the project.

Infinity Power, the largest renewable energy company in Africa, is targeting 10GW of operational renewable energy by 2030, which will equate to $5bln USD investment. This target will have the capability to provide electricity to 12 million homes across the African continent by the end of this decade and would contribute a further reduction of approximately 15 to 20 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

• 145MW (192MWp) Cirata plant opening witnessed by HE Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia and will power 50,000 homes and offset 214,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions

• Cirata is Masdar’s first floating solar PV project and largest in Southeast Asia, developed with PLN Group

• UAE’s Masdar and Indonesia’s PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) have agreed plans for Phase II to develop up to 500MW additional capacity at Cirata

Java; November 9, 2023: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, and Indonesia’s state-owned utility company, PLN have inaugurated the 145 megawatt (MWac) (192MWp). Cirata floating solar plant in Indonesia, the largest in the Southeast Asia region.

The inauguration was held in the presence of: HE Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia; HE Arifin Tasrif, Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; HE Erick Thohir, Indonesia’s Minister of State Owned Enterprises; Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, and Darmawan Prasodjo, Chief Executive Officer of PLN Group.

Cirata is Masdar’s first floating PV project and its first renewable energy project in the Southeast Asian market. Built on a 250-hectare plot of the Cirata Reservoir, in the West Java province, it will power 50,000 homes and offset 214,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Masdar and PLN NP recently signed an MOU to develop Phase II of Cirata with up to 500MW additional capacity, following a regulatory development from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Indonesia that that has increased the portion of water that can be covered, for renewable energy uses, to a maximum of 20 percent.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate and Masdar Chairman, said:

Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, HE Arifin Tasrif, commented:

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, said:

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar said:

Indonesia is a key strategic market in Southeast Asia for Masdar where the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse has an expanding portfolio of interests. In addition to Cirata, Masdar entered the geothermal energy sector through a strategic investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) in February 2023. Masdar also opened an office in Jakarta in 2021 to further strengthen links with key players within the region.

Indonesia has plans to increase its renewable energy mix and pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner. The Southeast Asian nation has committed to a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Ahead of COP28, to be hosted in the UAE later this year, the expansion agreement demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to supporting countries around the world with their decarbonization plans for a cleaner, greener future. Scaling up renewables could save Indonesia, the largest energy user in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, as much as US$ 51.7 billion per year when the impacts on air pollution and climate change are included, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Floating solar plants are attractive to countries like Indonesia with expanding populations and scarce land resources. They provide higher solar panel efficiency and productivity due to the close proximity of the panels to the water surface that helps cool them. Floating panels also reduce evaporation, saving fresh water for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries with a total electricity generation capacity of more than 20GW. It has invested, or committed to invest, in worldwide projects with a combined value of more than US$30 billion with ambitious growth plans to reach 100GW and 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

• Two of the largest independent power producers in the region and an integrated national oil and gas company of Republic of Azerbaijan will jointly develop renewable energy projects in Nakhchivan to expedite decarbonisation goals.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia– XX October 2023: Saudi-listed ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company, leader in energy transition and first mover into green hydrogen, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, also known as Masdar, and State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) to develop 500MW of renewable energy projects in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The MoU was signed by Thomas Brostrom, Chief Investment Officer of ACWA Power, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, and Afgan Isayev, Vice President of SOCAR.

As two of the largest independent power producers (IPP) of clean energy globally and within the region and an integrated national oil and gas company providing energy security of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the signing parties to the MoU will see the organisations pool their expertise to expedite the development of renewable energy projects that accelerate decarbonisation and help Azerbaijan achieve its net-zero goals.

Al Henakiyah Solar Plant, in Al Madinah province, Saudi Arabia, will help to achieve the target of increasing the share of the renewables in the country’s energy mix to around 50% by 2030. Set to be one of the world’s largest single-site solar plants, the project will be developed, built, owned and operated by the consortium as part of a 25-year agreement with the off-taker SPPC.

Commenting on the announcement, Marco Arcelli, Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power, said:

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said:

Afgan Isayev, Vice-President of SOCAR said:

ACWA Power entered the Azerbaijan market in 2019, with the intention of supporting the Central Asian nation in meeting its ambitious renewables integration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, and decarbonisation targets.

ACWA Power is currently developing a 240MW wind power plant in Azerbaijan, at an investment value of US$286 million. Meanwhile, four implementation agreements for mega giga projects including a 1GW onshore, a 1.5GW offshore wind farm and a battery energy storage project were signed earlier this year with the Azeri Ministry of Energy, while a cooperation agreement with State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will enable collaboration and exploration in the fields of renewable energy and green hydrogen

Masdar has been active in Azerbaijan since 2020 and developed the 230MW Garadagh solar plant, which become operational in October this year. The UAE’s clean energy pioneer has also signed agreements to develop onshore wind and solar projects and integrated offshore wind and green hydrogen projects with a total combined capacity of 4GW in the country. Masdar and Azerbaijan have agreed on an option to expand the total capacity for renewable projects to 10GW across multiple technologies.

• After obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals, the companies have closed the agreement announced last July to co-invest in the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm, which has a capacity of 476 megawatts (MW)

Iberdrola has signed a strategic agreement with Masdar, a major renewable energy group based in Abu Dhabi, to co-invest in the 476 MW Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm, located in the German Baltic Sea. Following confirmation that all the necessary regulatory approvals have been received, Iberdrola will have a majority stake of 51% in the project, which will help to accelerate energy independence in Europe.

According to the terms of the transaction, the valuation of 100% of the project amounts to around 1.6 billion euros. Iberdrola will control and manage the assets, providing operation and maintenance services and other corporate services.

In July, Ignacio Galán, executive chairman of Iberdrola, and the CEO of Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, signed the agreement as part of a broader commitment between two clean energy powerhouses. Both parties see this as a strategically important transaction and a critical milestone that strengthens a partnership that will allow further renewable energy investment opportunities to be explored across various technologies and regions.

Baltic Eagle will have 50 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 9.53 MW, built on monopile foundations. The project will produce 1.9 terrawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity annually, enough to meet the demand of 475,000 homes and avoid the emission of 800,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere per year.

This wind farm, which is scheduled to come into operation by the end of 2024, has a minimum regulated tariff of €64.6/MWh for the first 20 years. In addition, it has already sold 100% of its production with long-term contracts.

• Masdar signs three investment agreements for two solar projects and one onshore wind project with combined capacity of 1GW, supporting Azerbaijan’s 2030 clean energy ambitions

• Garadagh inauguration attended by HE Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar

• HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber calls on all nations to follow Azerbaijan in setting clear energy transition plans to deliver a COP of action, a COP of solidarity, a COP for all

• Garadagh is Masdar’s first renewable energy project in Azerbaijan as the company expands its footprint across Caucasus and Central Asia

Baku; October 26, 2023: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has signed agreements for solar and onshore wind projects with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW) in Azerbaijan, following the inauguration of the region’s largest operational solar plant, the 230MW Garadagh Solar Park. 

The strategic agreements cover the progression of the first phase of a 10GW pipeline of renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan signed in June 2022. This follows the successful development of Garadagh, Azerbaijan’s first foreign investment-based independent solar power project, and the largest solar plant in the region. 

The inauguration of Garadagh was overseen by HE Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar. 

The 1GW clean energy agreements were signed by Masdar Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Azerbaijan Minister of Energy, HE Parviz Shahbazov and Azerbaijan Minister of the Economy, HE Mikayil Jabbarov.

Also in attendance at the inauguration were HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy; HE Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and Deputy Chairman of Masdar; HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; HE Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan, and HE Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and HE Elchin Bagirov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UAE attended.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate and Chairman of Masdar, said:

Speaking at the inauguration event, Dr Sultan Al Jaber also commended His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and the nation of Azerbaijan for its commitment to a defined, strategic plan of action to develop new industries, new jobs and green economic growth. 

In his speech HE Dr Sultan said:

• With just 34 days to COP28, Garadagh illustrates the practical action needed to turn the goals of the Paris Agreement into tangible reality.

• Paris unified the world around a common goal, but since then, we have not seen enough action to close a massive emissions gap.

• While investment in renewable energy continues to grow, with a record 500GW added globally this year, the world must triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 to keep 1.5 within reach.

It is critical to bring everybody to the table to be part of the solution. This is the spirit of inclusivity needed at COP28, bringing the world together to focus on solutions and results.

HE Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijan Minister of Energy, commented:

The Garadagh plant which represents Masdar’s first project in the country, will generate half a billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to power more than 110,000 homes, reducing carbon emissions by over 200,000 tonnes a year. The project is co-financed by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar said:

As the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse and one of the leading clean energy companies in the world, Masdar is accelerating the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges.

Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries with a total electricity generation capacity of more than 20GW. It has invested, or committed to invest, in worldwide projects with a combined value of more than US$30 billion with ambitious growth plans to reach 100GW and 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. 

• Miral signs an agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF, to build a solar power project on Yas Bay Waterfront

• Project set to offset 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year

• 524-kilowatt peak capacity project to provide clean energy to Yas Bay Waterfront

Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, has signed an agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF, to develop a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day-to-night dining, entertainment and leisure destination located on Yas Island. The project is designed to offset 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The new solar project will feature the installation of 920 solar modules at Yas Bay waterfront, providing sustainable energy support, with Emerge delivering a comprehensive turnkey solution, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance of the solar modules for a duration of 30 years.

Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer, Miral, said

Michel Abi Saab, General Manager, Emerge, said:

This marks the third collaboration between Miral and Emerge; in March 2023, Miral Group inaugurated Abu Dhabi's largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. This remarkable green energy project incorporated approximately 16,000 solar modules across the theme park's roof area of 36,000 square meters, producing nearly 40 percent of its annual energy demand and holding an impressive 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity. And earlier in 2022, Miral and Emerge signed an agreement to deploy on-site solar energy systems at the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW).

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF, was formed in 2021 to develop distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial clients. As an energy services company, Emerge offers clients full turn-key supply and demand-side energy management solutions through solar power agreements and energy performance contracting at no up-front cost to the client.

• UAE’s clean energy powerhouse signs MoU with Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for 10GW of renewable energy projects to include ground mounted and rooftop solar, floating solar, onshore wind and battery energy storage systems.

• Ahead of the UAE hosting COP28, development demonstrates Masdar’s market expansion in Southeast Asia and commitment to supporting Malaysia’s net-zero goals.

• Masdar to invest US$8 billion to support Malaysia’s clean energy transition.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to invest US$8 billion for up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects in a strategic partnership that will significantly contribute to Malaysia's sustainable energy transformation.

The collaboration marks an important milestone in the pursuit of a sustainable and greener future for Malaysia. MIDA will facilitate Masdar to develop up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects by 2035, to include ground mounted, rooftop and floating solar power plants, onshore wind farms and battery energy storage systems.

The signing was witnessed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honorable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim; HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate; HE Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State; Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), HE Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz; Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir; and the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin.

The MoU was signed by Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, and Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, said

HE Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, the MITI Minister said,

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, added

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, commented:

Established in 2006, Masdar is active in more than 40 countries with a total electricity generation capacity of more than 20GW. It has invested, or committed to invest, in worldwide projects with a combined value of more than USD30 billion with ambitious growth plans to reach 100GW and 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

Clean energy project further strengthens national decarbonisation efforts and accelerates progress towards net zero goals

• Wind farms in four locations, with total combined capacity of 100+ megawatts, will power more than 23,000 homes and displace 120,000 tonnes of CO2 per year

• Project introduces large-scale, utility wind power to the UAE’s electricity grid - diversifying the country’s energy mix, advancing its energy transition, and unlocking the potential of wind

• Turbines feature latest technology and innovation to capture low wind speeds at utility scale

On behalf of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has inaugurated the UAE Wind Program during a ceremony on Sir Bani Yas Island. The clean energy project builds on the leadership’s efforts to develop alternative energy sources, which began with the establishment of the region’s first wind power station on Sir Bani Yas Island in 2004.  

The 103.5-megawatt (MW) landmark project, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, will introduce cost-effective, large-scale, utility wind power to the UAE’s electricity grid, further diversifying the country’s energy mix and advancing its energy transition. The project leverages advances in technology, material science and aerodynamics to capture low wind speeds at utility scale, paving the way for further projects. 

The UAE Wind Program is expected to power more than 23,000 UAE homes a year. It will displace 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing more than 26,000 petrol-powered cars from the road annually. As the UAE prepares to host an inclusive COP that focuses on delivering results, the development underscores the UAE’s commitment to tackling climate change.

The project spans four locations, including Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where a 45MW capacity wind farm plus 14 MWp (megawatt peak) solar farm has been developed, expanding on existing wind power facilities on the island. The other wind farm locations include Delma Island (27MW), and Al Sila in Abu Dhabi (27MW), as well as Al Halah in Fujairah (4.5MW). 

Speaking at the event, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted that the late Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to sustainability and preserving the environment and the country’s natural resources have been engrained as a way of life in the UAE. Based on a profound vision, the founding father fully understood the vital importance of sustainability as a key driver of progress, and as an integral part of human history. HH pointed out that Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to sustainability is reaping rewards today across many vital areas.

His Highness added that the UAE is continuing Sheikh Zayed’s work, driven by the same spirit of determination. This is demonstrated in the unwavering commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, with the delivery of large-scale renewable energy projects, and in his efforts to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and lead on climate action. These achievements build on previous efforts to find alternative sources of energy, including the pioneering wind power station that was first established on Sir Bani Yas Island in 2004. 

HH said the UAE has long acted as an energy leader in the region, developing innovative solutions to further advance the energy transition. HH added that the UAE is well prepared to host COP28, following the country’s ground-breaking achievements in developing different sources of renewable energy, which supply tens of thousands of homes with clean power, have created numerous jobs, and are helping to cut emissions.

The event was also attended by His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate and Chairman of Masdar; HE Eng Awaidha Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Mr Chen Guanfu, President of PowerChina International; and Mr Wu Kai, Chairman of Goldwind Group. PowerChina was the main Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for the program and GoldWind Group was the main supplier of equipment.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said:

The project marks new era in adding utility-scale wind power to the UAE’s energy mix. Energy generated by landmark solar, nuclear and waste-to-energy plants already feeds into the UAE’s national grid, and last month, the country was recognised as a world leader in solar energy use, according to data from The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy. 

Previously, wind energy was not viable at utility scale due to low wind speeds in the UAE, but innovations within climate technology and UAE-led expertise have made power generation using wind possible. Larger turbines, lower hardware costs, and the discovery of a unique weather phenomenon that generates high winds at night, have made the UAE Wind Program project scalable and economically viable. Wind power being strongest at night in the UAE complements the country’s existing solar power generation.

By working with global technology leaders and turbine manufacturers, the project is paving the way for the commercialisation of further utility scale, low-wind speed projects. The project is also creating a foundation of critical scientific wind data, which will form the basis of the UAE’s next phase of development.

Masdar has been pioneering clean energy since 2006. A decade ago, the company launched the 100 MW Shams project, which was the first concentrated solar power plant to be developed in the Middle East. In Indonesia, Masdar is at the final stages of developing the Cirata Floating Solar Plant, Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar plant. While earlier this year, the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant in the UAE recorded that it had processed over 100,000 tonnes of waste and offset over 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions since it began operations a year ago. The region’s first waste-to-energy plant is a joint venture between Masdar and BEEAH group, the Middle East’s sustainability pioneer.

Masdar is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW. Masdar is committed to achieving at least 100 GW total renewable energy capacity by 2030.