600-kilowatt peak (kWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation with a 2.56 Megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) to decarbonize Etihad Rail’s Ghuweifat terminal. The system is expected to generate up to 85% of the terminal’s electricity consumption.
Abu Dhabi, October 10, 2024 – Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has signed a landmark agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and EDF Group, to solarize the Ghuweifat freight terminal. This agreement will see the installation of a 600 kWp ground-mounted solar PV system and a 2.56 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), which is projected to cover up to 85% of the terminal’s electricity needs.
The agreement was formalized by Ahmed Al-Yafei, CEO of Etihad Rail Infrastructure, and Eng. Abdulaziz AlObaidli, Chairman of Emerge, in the presence of His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Luc Koechlin, CEO of EDF Middle East.
This partnership will enable Etihad Rail to harness solar energy during daylight hours, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and cutting CO2 emissions by more than 8,500 tons over the contract’s duration. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions at the Ghuweifat terminal, a key logistics hub on the UAE-Saudi border.
Commentary:
- H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, remarked: “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 shift to a low-carbon economy. Collaborating with Emerge allows us to reduce our environmental impact and build greener, more resilient supply chains, contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals.”
- Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, stated: “Partnering with Etihad Rail is a crucial step toward creating cleaner, more sustainable infrastructure in the region. By leveraging Masdar and EDF’s expertise, we are well-positioned to support organizations like Etihad Rail in reducing their environmental footprint and achieving the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.”
- Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East EDF Group, added: “As a leader in low-carbon electricity generation, EDF is proud to support Etihad Rail in this innovative initiative, contributing to a net-zero Middle East through expertise in low-carbon transportation infrastructure.”
This solarization project is a critical component of Etihad Rail’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. The integration of solar energy into the Ghuweifat terminal is expected to reduce the UAE road transport sector’s CO2 emissions by 21% annually by 2050.
The Ghuweifat terminal, strategically located near the Saudi Arabian border, is vital to regional logistics and will lead the way in promoting sustainable freight operations. Through the use of renewable energy, the terminal will become self-sufficient and contribute to the broader vision of sustainable infrastructure and green logistics.
