UAE Ministry Of Defence Enhances Sustainability With Tabreed And Emerge's Solar Energy Project

The UAE Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with Tabreed and Emerge, has completed a project to incorporate solar energy into two district cooling plants in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

In March 2024, a partnership agreement was signed to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) plants for a 25-year operation period. Approximately 4,000 solar panels have been installed at these cooling plants. They provide 2.4 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, powering thermal energy storage and chilled water pumps. This reduces grid reliance during peak times and cuts over 2,600 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The project was inaugurated by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Tabreed, and Emerge. This follows the UAE Armed Forces Climate Change Strategy announcement in December 2023. The strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions through long-term energy transitions.

Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO of Tabreed, highlighted the strengthened strategic relationship with the Ministry of Defence since their first district cooling plant in 1998. He stated that sustainability is central to Tabreed's operations, aligning with global climate neutrality goals.

Tabreed recently diversified its energy mix by introducing geothermal energy and now solar power. Al Marzooqi said these efforts support the UAE's net-zero targets: "Sustainability is a core concept at Tabreed, and we continually analyse and improve our operations in line with global aspirations to achieve climate neutrality."

Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, expressed pride in supporting the Ministry of Defence and Tabreed's sustainability goals: "This milestone reflects the growing momentum for distributed solar solutions across vital sectors of the UAE."

Driving Decarbonisation Efforts

Emerge remains committed to helping partners decarbonise operations and reduce energy costs: "We are proud to support the Ministry of Defence and Tabreed in advancing their sustainability goals by integrating clean energy into core infrastructure." Saab emphasised their dedication to driving measurable impact towards the UAE’s net-zero ambitions.

This project underscores a significant step towards achieving environmental targets across public and private sectors. By integrating renewable energy sources like solar power into essential infrastructure, these organisations demonstrate leadership in sustainable development.

With inputs from WAM