Abu Dhabi: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation (DG) Middle East & Africa, an affiliate of TotalEnergies, have joined forces to deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for the agency’s newly-built Plant Genetic Resource Centre in Al Ain.
According to the agreement, TotalEnergies will develop a 330 kilowatt-peak solar carport for the Genetic Laboratory facility in Al Ain.
The solar solution, featuring 680 photovoltaic panels, will generate around 500 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually and cover an area of 1,360 square meters of parking lots. This will allow EAD to reduce its annual carbon footprint by 200 metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of the power requirement of around 25 homes’ energy use in one year.
We are very excited about this collaboration with a global pioneering company like TotalEnergies. Through this lease agreement, we at the EAD will be contributing to lower carbon emissions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is in alignment with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and the UAE leadership’s ambitious program to produce power from clean and renewable sources by 2035 and marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey to deliver carbon neutrality by 2050. We selected solar energy for our Plant Genetic Resource Center to enhance our sustainability efforts and strongly complement our native plant species conservation endeavors.
Mr. Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, shared.
Mr. Gipin Mani, UAE and Oman Country Director, TotalEnergies Renewables DG Middle East & Africa, commented that “we are honored to collaborate with the EAD on this landmark project, which represents a fusion of technological excellence and environmental stewardship. By integrating renewable energy solutions into critical infrastructure like the Plant Genetic Resource Centre, we are paving the way with our partners for a sustainable future, preserving biodiversity, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in environmental conservation.”
The 20-year solar power equipment lease agreement covers solar installation, operations and maintenance, and the production of solar energy at the Plant Genetic Resource Centre by TotalEnergies.
“Our partnership on this project spanning 20 years entails not only the installation but also the seamless integration, operation, and maintenance of the solar system. Drawing on our rich portfolio of similar distributed generation projects totaling over 100 MW in the region, we are well positioned to ensure the highest quality, performance, and reliability of solar infrastructure. As a responsible market leader, we are proud to partner with EAD to foster sustainable development and make significant strides towards a greener future,” Mr. Mani further added.