Emerge, a joint venture (JV) between UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF, has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Miral, to deploy on-site solar energy systems at the SeaWorld theme park currently under construction on Yas Island.
The project, which will have a capacity of 8.2 megawatts (MW), will see rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at the marine-life mega development on Yas Island, including the main building.
Emerge will provide a full turnkey solution, including design, procurement, and construction, as well as operation and maintenance services.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said: “Our agreement with Emerge marks an important step in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s sustainability strategy.
"The deployment of new solar energy systems is consistent with our progress towards further leveraging the capacity of sustainable sources across our developments.
"This partnership, a significant environmental milestone, underscores our commitment to sustainability as we strengthen Yas Island’s position as a global destination within the Emirates’ tourism ecosystem.”
Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., said: “As an organization we are committed to creating a more sustainable future and encourage all initiatives that help advance that cause.
"Working with our partners on the first SeaWorld marine-life theme park outside of the United States, we are excited to share and exchange our experiences with the region and come together for a better environment.”
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: “This project demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to finding innovative ways of achieving its clean energy objectives and increasing renewable energy usage.
By leveraging the local and international experience of Masdar and EDF – both leading companies in the energy sector – the Emerge JV is ideally equipped to support Miral’s ongoing environmental efforts, and in turn help to drive sustainable development in tourism sector.”
Laurent Clement, CEO of EDF Middle East also commented: “The private sector is playing a major role in supporting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and in achieving an energy mix that combines renewable and clean energy sources to balance economic requirements and environmental goals.
"We are convinced that our successful partnership with Masdar, through the Emerge joint venture and Miral can be a catalyst for other actors in the private sector to take advantage of solar energy and join our journey to a cleaner UAE.”
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi represents the first new SeaWorld marine-life park in more than 30 years and the first outside the United States.
The marine life theme park will offer unique immersive experiences that engage visitors from the UAE and around the world, broadening their knowledge and appreciation of marine life.
The next-generation park will also include the UAE's first dedicated center for marine research and education; its rescue and rehabilitation operations will also be a first for the region with the goal of returning healthy animals back to their native habitats.
Emerge was established by Masdar and EDF to explore and collaborate on opportunities in distributed solar generation, energy efficiency and street lighting in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As an energy services company, Emerge offers clients full turnkey supply and demand side energy management solutions through solar power agreements and energy performance contracting at no up-front cost to the client.
With this project, Miral is reinforcing its commitment to investing in sustainable solutions by integrating renewable energy components in many of its developments.
Rooftop solar PV could provide approximately 6 percent of the United Arab Emirate’s total power generation by 2030 according to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) REmap 2030 report.