Miral has signed an agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF, to develop a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on Yas Bay Waterfront.

The project for the  dining, entertainment and leisure destination on Yas Island aims to offset 450 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. 

The solar project will feature the installation of 920 solar modules at Yas Bay Waterfront to provide sustainable energy support. Emerge will maintain the project’s finance, design, procurement, construction, operations and maintenance of the solar modules for a duration of 30 years.

Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Emerge once again to implement this innovative solar project at Yas Bay as part of our commitment to the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve Net Zero by 2050. This project will set a benchmark in supplying clean energy to power Yas Bay and further position Yas Island as a top global destination.

“Guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, this partnership represents our dedication to prioritising sustainable practices and incorporating renewable energy elements across our destinations.”

Michel Abi Saab, General Manager at Emerge, said: "We are pleased to once again partner with Miral to deliver this exciting solar project at Yas Bay and to further support their efforts towards a more sustainable future. We are confident the 524 KWp project will help to deliver high-quality and reliable clean energy to this premier entertainment destination, which attracts millions of visitors from home and abroad.

“With the UAE preparing to host COP28, this project demonstrates the sustainable impact that can be achieved across many other entertainment sites as we work towards the country’s net zero goal.”

Yas Bay Waterfront marks the third collaboration between Miral and Emerge. In March 2023, Miral Group inaugurated Abu Dhabi's largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. This green energy project incorporated approximately 16,000 solar modules across the theme park's roof area of 36,000 square metres, producing nearly 40 per cent of its annual energy demand and holding a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity. In 2022, Miral and Emerge signed an agreement to deploy on-site solar energy systems at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW).

Emerge was formed as a joint venture between Masdar and EDF in 2021 to develop distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial clients.