Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with Tabreed and Emerge, has successfully completed a significant project to incorporate solar energy into two district cooling plants in Abu Dhabi. This initiative marks a milestone in the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance environmental sustainability.
According to Emirates News Agency, the project, which began with a partnership agreement signed in March 2024, involves the installation of approximately 4,000 solar panels. These panels are expected to provide 2.4 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity to the cooling plants' thermal energy storage infrastructure and chilled water pumps. This endeavor is set to reduce reliance on the electricity grid during peak times and is projected to prevent over 2,600 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
The project's inauguration was attended by a senior delegation from the Ministry of Defence, Tabreed, and Emerge. The initiative aligns with the UAE Armed Forces Climate Change Strategy, unveiled in December 2023, highlighting the Ministry's dedication to minimizing carbon emissions through a strategic energy transition.
Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO of Tabreed, emphasized the strengthened strategic relationship with the Ministry of Defence, dating back to the commissioning of the first district cooling plant in 1998. He noted that sustainability remains a key focus for Tabreed, with ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix, including recent ventures into geothermal and solar energy. Al Marzooqi reiterated Tabreed's commitment to the UAE's net-zero goals and its support for the public and private sectors in achieving environmental objectives.
Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, highlighted the significance of the project in promoting distributed solar solutions across essential sectors in the UAE. He expressed pride in supporting the Ministry of Defence and Tabreed in their sustainability pursuits and affirmed Emerge's commitment to enabling regional partners to reduce carbon footprints, lower energy costs, and contribute to the UAE's net-zero ambitions.