The UAE and France have collaborated to create a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on the Yas Bay Waterfront. Miral, a prominent developer, has signed an agreement with Emerge, a joint venture involving the UAE's Masdar and France's EDF. This project, which is designed for the dining, entertainment, and leisure hub on Yas Island, seeks to counterbalance 450 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Additionally, the project will incorporate the installation of 920 solar modules at Yas Bay Waterfront to offer sustainable energy solutions. Emerge will take responsibility for financing, designing, procuring, constructing, and maintaining the solar modules for a period of 30 years.
Commenting on this, Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, said, “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. This project will set a benchmark in supplying clean energy to power Yas Bay and further position Yas Island as a top global destination. Guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, this partnership represents our dedication to prioritising sustainable practices and incorporating renewable energy elements across our destinations.”
Yas Bay Waterfront represents the third joint effort between Miral and Emerge. Back in March 2023, the Miral Group unveiled Abu Dhabi's most extensive solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. This sustainable energy initiative involved the installation of around 16,000 solar modules across the theme park's expansive 36,000-square-metre roof area. It generated nearly 40% of the park's yearly energy requirements and boasted a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity.
Emerge came into existence in 2021 as a collaborative effort between Masdar and EDF. Its primary purpose is to spearhead the development of a wide range of energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients. These solutions encompass distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid systems.
On this association, Michel Abi Saab, General Manager at Emerge, said, "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. We are confident the 524 KWp project will help to deliver high-quality and reliable clean energy to this premier entertainment destination, which attracts millions of visitors from home and abroad."