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SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park- deploying new solar energy systems | |
| Staff Writer |
As part of a partnership signed with Yas Island management company Miral Asset Management, Emerge, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi clean energy company Masdar and French utility EDF, is setting up a rooftop solar power project at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park ,which would be the first SeaWorld location outside North America will use rooftop solar photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of 8.2 megawatts.
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Emerge was established to explore and collaborate on opportunities in distributed solar generation, energy efficiency and street lighting in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Miral was created in 2011 and manages key venues on Yas Island, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and Clymb Abu Dhabi.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island, is scheduled to be completed in 2022 and will feature the world's largest aquarium that will house about 68,000 marine animals.
“The deployment of new solar energy systems is consistent with our progress towards further leveraging the capacity of sustainable sources across our developments," said Mohamed Al Zaabi, chief executive of Miral.
In May, the Emirates Water and Electricity Company invited companies to submit expressions of interest for a new solar project in Abu Dhabi's Al Ajban area, which aims to become one of the world's largest with a total power generating capacity of 1,500 megawatts. The UAE already owns credit for the largest solar facilities in the world, the 5,000-megawatt Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai and Abu Dhabi's Al Dharfra Solar Park
Laurent Clement, chief executive of EDF Middle East said,”The solar project at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi can be a catalyst to help others in the private sector tap into green energy resources, which in turn will help the UAE to achieve its sustainability goals.The private sector is playing a major role in supporting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and in achieving an energy mix that combines renewable and clean energy sources to balance economic requirements and environmental goals.
The Emerge joint venture is "ideally equipped to support Miral’s ongoing environmental efforts, and in turn help to drive sustainable development in the regional leisure and tourism sector", said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive of Masdar.