Miral, Emerge to develop solar project on Yas Bay Waterfront

Image: Supplied/ Gareth Harford / Motorsport Images

Miral and Emerge, the JV formed by Masdar and France’s EDF, will develop a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on Yas Bay Waterfront in Abu Dhabi.

The project is designed to offset 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The new solar project will see 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: “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.”

Michel Abi Saab, general manager, Emerge, said:”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.

“With the UAE preparing to host COP28, this project demonstrates the sustainable impact that can be achieved across many other entertainment sites as we work towards the country’s net zero goal.”

Close partnership between Miral and Emerge

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 project comprised approximately 16,000 solar modules across the theme park’s roof area of 36,000 square metres, producing nearly 40 per cent of its annual energy demand and holding a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity.

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.

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.