Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group, has signed an agreement to develop a 13.25MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP) in Abu Dhabi. The project includes an 11.5MWp ground-mounted system and a 1.75MWp solar carport. It is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 14,064 tonnes annually. The agreement was signed at IDEX 2025, with construction planned to begin in late 2025.
Emerge will execute the project under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. The company will finance, design, procure, construct, operate, and maintain the solar plant for 25 years before transferring ownership. The initiative is part of TIP’s effort to incorporate renewable energy into its industrial infrastructure.
The UAE continues to expand its renewable energy projects. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai is expected to reach 5,000MW of installed capacity by 2030. The Al Dhafra Solar PV Project in Abu Dhabi will contribute 2GW to the national grid. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is another major clean energy source.
Beyond large-scale solar and nuclear projects, the UAE is also developing wind and waste-to-energy projects. The Sir Bani Yas Wind Farm contributes to Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy supply. In Sharjah, a waste-to-energy plant converts municipal waste into electricity. Other waste-to-energy projects are under evaluation in different emirates.
Hydrogen production is another area of focus. Masdar and other entities are researching hydrogen’s potential as an energy source. Pilot projects are in progress to assess hydrogen’s role in reducing emissions in industrial and transportation sectors.
The UAE’s renewable energy strategy includes solar, wind, nuclear, and waste-to-energy solutions. The goal is to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
