The Emirate of Sharjah is poised to harness the desert sun with the groundbreaking of its largest solar power plant. The Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) partnered with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group, to construct the 60-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.
Located at SNOC's Sajaa Gas Complex, the plant will generate enough clean energy to offset an estimated 66, 000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually. This environmental benefit is comparable to taking over 14, 600 cars off the road each year.
The project aligns with SNOC's commitment to reducing its dependence on traditional fossil fuels and achieving net-zero emissions by 2032. This shift towards renewable energy sources will ensure a more sustainable future for the Emirate.
Hatem Al Mosa, CEO of SNOC, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, "This is a significant milestone on our path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2032. We value this strategic cooperation with Emerge, Masdar, and EDF, and look forward to collaborating on similar endeavors in the future. "
Emerge, responsible for developing and operating the plant for 25 years under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, will leverage its expertise in turnkey solutions. Michel Abi Saab, Emerge's general manager, highlighted the significance of the project, saying, "Emerge is proud to be a part of this landmark project alongside SNOC. Our solutions offer businesses like SNOC a path towards a sustainable future without upfront costs. "
The construction of this solar plant signifies a crucial step towards Sharjah's clean energy goals. The Emirate, along with other members of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been actively pursuing renewable energy projects to diversify its energy mix and lessen its reliance on fossil fuels.
The project is also expected to create job opportunities within the Emirate. The specific number of positions is not yet confirmed, but the construction and operation of the plant will undoubtedly necessitate skilled labor.
The inauguration of Sharjah's largest solar plant marks a significant development for the Emirate's clean energy ambitions. This initiative, led by a Masdar joint venture, paves the way for a more sustainable future powered by the desert sun.