Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group, has signed an agreement to develop and install a 13.25-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant at Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP). The agreement, signed on the second day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi, underscores the UAE’s commitment to integrating renewable energy solutions into its industrial and strategic sectors.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Aurelien Delahaye, Deputy CEO for the Middle East at EDF, and Ali Alshimmari, Head of Strategic & Special Projects at Masdar. Signing the agreement were Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, and Eng. Faiz Al Nahdi, CEO of Tawazun Industrial Park.
The project will comprise an 11.5MWp ground-mounted solar PV system and a 1.75MWp solar carport installation. Once operational, it is expected to offset 14,064 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually—equivalent to reducing the carbon footprint of over 25% of TIP’s current residents. Construction is scheduled to commence in late 2025.
Commenting on the agreement, Eng. Faiz Al Nahdi highlighted the project’s role in driving sustainable industrial growth. “Our collaboration with Emerge marks a significant step in integrating clean energy solutions into Tawazun Industrial Park. This project underscores our responsibility to minimize environmental impact while fostering a modern, forward-thinking industrial hub,” he stated.
Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting TIP’s sustainability goals. “We are proud to welcome Tawazun Industrial Park as a client and demonstrate the value we bring as an energy services company. Our turnkey solutions enable businesses like TIP to decarbonize and transition towards a sustainable future without upfront costs,” he said.
Under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, Emerge will oversee the project’s entire lifecycle, including financing, design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance for 25 years.
Established in 2021 as a joint venture between Masdar and EDF, Emerge specializes in distributed solar, energy efficiency, street lighting, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid solutions for commercial and industrial clients. In 2024, the company tripled its operating solar capacity to 30MW, supplying clean energy to 38 commercial, industrial, educational, and hospitality sites across the UAE.
The solar project at Tawazun Industrial Park aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to sustainability and clean energy adoption.
