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Miral To lauch Largest Rooftop Solar Project In Abu Dhabi | |
| Sumita Pawar |
A report says Miral, the creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has joined hands with Emerge for the launch of a 7 MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, thus making it the largest rooftop solar project in the UAE capital.
Emerge, a joint venture between Emirati renewable energy company Masdar and French utility group EDF, is also collaborating with Miral on the development of rooftop solar PV systems at its SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park, as well as on Yas Island, which is set to open this year, it added.
According to the agreement, Emerge will offer a full turnkey solution, which includes design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance.
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According to the report, "on the new rooftop solar project, Miral said an estimated 16,000 solar modules across the theme park’s roof area of 36,000 sq m will produce nearly 40% of its annual energy demand, making Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi the region’s largest solar-powered theme park.
"Expanding our sustainability strategies is an integral part of Miral’s vision. The Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi rooftop solar project is a significant step on this journey, featuring a secure and reliable energy system that will help us reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to combating climate change," said its Group CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi.
"Through our partnership with Emerge, we are happy to move to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy, contribute to the UAE's larger net-zero goals, and position Yas Island as a global destination," he said.
The project agreement includes a full turnkey solution for the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi rooftop solar project, covering design, procurement, construction, and operation and maintenance of the plant.
The project contributes to the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 target, which aims to see renewable energy make up 44% of the country’s clean energy mix by 2050.
As mentioned in the report, rooftop solar PV could provide approximately six percent of the UAE’s total power generation by 2030, according to a projection by the International Renewable Energy Agency in its REMAP 2030 report on renewable energy prospects for the UAE.
Emerge's Chairman, Khaled Ballaith, said, "If countries around the region—and beyond—are to reach their clean energy objectives, it is essential that we support the decarbonization of the commercial and industrial sectors." We launched the Emerge joint venture with our partner EDF to help private-sector organizations access renewable energy solutions more effectively and to make their operations more sustainable."
"As we prepare for COP28 in the UAE, we look forward to working with more companies here and in the wider region on deploying clean energy solutions," he added.
CEO of EDF Middle East Luc Koechlin said that the private sector is one of the most important parts of making a carbon-free energy mix happen.
"We are convinced that our successful partnership with Masdar, through the Emerge joint venture and Miral, will play the role of a catalyst for other C&I clients to become "prosumers", i.e., to generate the clean electricity corresponding to their electrical needs, and to join the journey supporting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 at the forefront of the COP28," noted Koechlin.
Emerge General Manager Michel Abi Saab pointed out that the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi rooftop project further demonstrates the economic and environmental value of solar energy.
"We look forward to delivering more projects like this one, which will help reduce building-related emissions in the UAE and advance the country’s goals for renewable energy and decarbonization." "Building-related emissions contribute almost 55% of global electricity demand, according to the World Green Building Council," he added.