- A 1.8 MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant has been installed at Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages’ Al Ain bottling facility to provide clean energy for the facility’s operations.
- The project represents a significant expansion of Emerge’s commercial and industrial operations, increasing their total capacity to more than 25 MWp since their establishment in 2021.
Emerge, a partnership between Masdar of the UAE and EDF of France, has entered into a deal with Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages, the UAE-based bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products, to build a 1.8-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant at its facility in Al Ain.
The commercial and industrial (C&I) project, to be located at the Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages facility in Al Ain, will consist of a combination of ground-mounted, rooftop, and car park solar installations. Emerge will be responsible for providing a comprehensive turnkey solution for the 1.8-megawatt peak (MWp) project, which will include the design, procurement, construction, and operation and maintenance of the plant for a period of 25 years.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Akeel, CEO of Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages, and Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) held in the UAE capital from January 14-19.
Mohamed Akeel, Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages, said: “This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to drive and embrace innovation in every part of our business while reducing our carbon footprint. Our agreement with Emerge will allow us to reach yet another sustainability milestone – a big aspect of which is the integration of more renewable energy into our operations.”
Michel Abi Saab, General Manager, Emerge, said: “Emerge is pleased to be increasing its C&I footprint in the UAE with our collaboration with such a reputed company. We are confident the 1.8 MWp solar PV plant we will build, operate and maintain for Coco-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages – like the facilities we are building for our other partners Miral, Khazna Data Centers, and Al Dahra Food Industries – will provide stable and clean energy for its Al Ain facility for decades to come.”
According to IHS Markit, the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar segment has seen significant growth since 2021, driven by rising fuel and electricity costs around the world. The research firm predicts that by 2026, 125 gigawatts (GW) of C&I rooftop solar will have been installed globally. Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that by 2030, rooftop solar PV could provide up to 6% of the United Arab Emirates’ total power generation. REmap 2030 report
Emerge, established in 2021, is a partnership between Masdar and EDF that specializes in developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients. These solutions include distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid systems. As an energy services provider, Emerge offers comprehensive energy management solutions that include solar power agreements and energy performance contracting. These solutions are provided to clients at no upfront cost.
Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages is the exclusive bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products in the United Arab Emirates. The company operates a state-of-the-art bottling plant in Al Ain and maintains a network of distribution centers throughout the UAE to manufacture and distribute a wide range of popular beverages, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Arwa Water, Smart Water, and Schweppes. In addition to these classic brands, Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages also distributes a selection of premium retail products, including Monster Energy and Costa Coffee.
