Etihad Rail & Emerge Partner for Solar Power at Global Rail 2024
Etihad Rail's Ghuweifat terminal will be decarbonised using a 600-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and a 2.56 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS).
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has made a significant stride by signing a groundbreaking agreement with Emerge, a collaboration between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar and EDF Group. This partnership aims to solarize the railway network’s freight terminal located in Ghuweifat. The project will feature a ground-mounted solar PV system with an installed capacity of 600 kWp, alongside a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 2.56 MWh. Upon its completion, the system is anticipated to generate up to 85% of the terminal's electricity requirements.
Key Figures in the Agreement
The agreement was formalized by Ahmed Al-Yafei, the CEO of Etihad Rail Infrastructure, and Eng. Abdulaziz AlObaidli, the Chairman of Emerge. The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Luc Koechlin, CEO of EDF Middle East.
Commitment to Renewable Energy
As part of this agreement, Etihad Rail will utilize Emerge’s advanced technology to harness solar energy, providing renewable power to the Ghuweifat freight terminal during daylight hours. This initiative will help offset energy consumption during the night and is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 8,500 tons throughout the contract period. This effort is a testament to Etihad Rail’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and its alignment with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
Commenting on the agreement, H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail said: "This initiative is a cornerstone of our vision to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations. With the support of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, we are leading the charge in the shift to a low-carbon and energy-efficient economy. By collaborating with Emerge and initiating the transition to solar power, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also building greener and more resilient supply chains, thus, supporting our nation’s goals and ambitions for a more sustainable future.”
Masdar CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, commented: “The collaboration with Etihad Rail is a pivotal step towards cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure development in the region. By leveraging the local and international experience of both Masdar and EDF Group – leading companies in the energy sector – the Emerge joint venture is ideally equipped to support Etihad Rail and other organizations to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable on the road to realising the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.”
Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East EDF Group stated: "As a global leader in low-carbon electricity generation, EDF Group is proud to support Etihad Rail in this innovative initiative, which exemplifies our shared commitment to a sustainable energy future. By leveraging our expertise in low-carbon solutions, including our deep knowledge of transportation infrastructure and electrification, we are proud to contribute to the UAE's energy transition and help build a net-zero Middle East.”
Contribution to UAE's Net Zero Goals
Moreover, this initiative underscores Etihad Rail’s leadership in advancing the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. The project is part of a broader commitment to reduce CO2 emissions in the UAE's road transport sector by 21% annually by the year 2050, showcasing the railway network's pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals.
Strategic Importance of the Ghuweifat Freight Terminal
The Ghuweifat freight terminal serves as a critical hub for facilitating efficient cross-border operations. Its strategic position at the Saudi Arabian border enhances its capability to promote sustainable logistics solutions in the region, aligning perfectly with Etihad Rail’s objectives to encourage eco-friendly freight operations. By incorporating solar technology into its infrastructure, Etihad Rail aims for the Ghuweifat terminal to become energy self-sufficient, utilizing renewable energy to operate sustainably and minimize its carbon footprint. This sets a new benchmark for efficient and environmentally friendly logistics and infrastructure development.
Emerge
Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group was established in 2021 with a focus on developing distributed solar, energy storage, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial sectors. As an energy services provider, Emerge delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions to clients through solar power agreements that require no upfront investment, promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
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