Sultan Bin Ahmed Launches Sharjah's First Solar Power Plant Named SANA To Promote Renewable Energy

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated "SANA," Sharjah's first solar power plant. This facility spans 850,000 square meters and generates 60 megawatts of energy. Located near the Sajaa Gas Plant, it is a collaboration between the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) and Emerge, a partnership of Masdar and EDF Group.

The SANA project is more than an energy source; it's an investment in local talent. Many involved are Emirati graduates from local universities. This aligns with the Corporation's goals to be a reliable energy provider, focusing on carbon neutrality and safe practices. The project aims to benefit Sharjah and its community.

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Eng. Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC, expressed pride in this achievement, which began as an idea eight years ago by company engineers aiming for renewable energy projects in Sharjah. He emphasised that transitioning to renewable energy is essential to keep pace with global changes in the energy sector.

Al Mazrouei highlighted that the SANA project reflects teamwork and innovation towards a sustainable future. It supports the emirate's broader goals for energy planning and environmental protection. The project also marks a significant step in Sharjah's sustainable energy journey.

The solar power initiative began in 2018 with a small plant at Hamriyah LNG terminal producing 300 kilowatts. This was the first step towards developing the larger SANA plant in Sajaa. The facility uses clean energy for operations, marking progress towards sustainability.

During the inauguration ceremony, Abdulaziz Al Obaidli of Emerge expressed his pleasure at this achievement for Sharjah and the UAE. He thanked stakeholders for their contributions and highlighted Masdar and EDF's support in realising this project.

Commitment to Sustainability

Al Obaidli noted that SANA is more than just clean energy; it represents leadership's commitment to sustainability. The project enhances Sharjah's energy security by producing clean energy while reducing carbon emissions, benefiting both environment and economy locally and nationally.

The Chairman of SNOC watched a film showcasing SANA's development, highlighting engineers' efforts. Fatima Al Hammadi, Project Manager of SANA, discussed partnerships' importance in launching the plant from an initial idea to reality through collective efforts.

Future Prospects

Al Obaidli concluded by stating that SANA demonstrates potential outcomes when visions align between public and private sectors. Emerge looks forward to further partnerships promoting sustainability for future generations.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed recognised partners with special shields as appreciation tokens and took group photos with them. He met Emirati engineers involved in the project, expressing admiration for their work.

SANA Plant Features

The solar power plant features 13,000 flexible poles following the sun's path to maximise energy collection. These poles support over 98,000 solar panels working together efficiently harnessing solar power.

The facility can produce enough clean energy annually to power about 13,780 homes while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 66,000 tons each year. It is one of the world's first plants designed not only to supply its electricity needs but also export excess power generated.

H.H.'s official launch marked SANA's operations beginning by pressing an inauguration button followed by a site tour exploring various facilities within SANA’s plant—the largest in Sharjah using renewable energy powering oil & natural gas facilities.

With inputs from WAM