UAE Ministry of Defence Integrates Solar Power into District Cooling Plants in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – A new milestone in the UAE’s renewable energy journey has been marked with the successful installation of solar panels at two district cooling facilities operated by the Ministry of Defence in Abu Dhabi.

This landmark project was completed through a strategic collaboration involving the Ministry of Defence, leading district cooling provider Tabreed, and Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group. The initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure across critical government sectors.

Powering Cooling Plants with Clean Energy

Under a long-term 25-year agreement signed in 2024, approximately 4,000 photovoltaic panels have now been installed, providing 2.4 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity to power the plants’ thermal energy storage systems and chilled water pumps. This development not only reduces dependency on traditional power sources but also sets a benchmark for integrating solar energy into essential services.

An inauguration ceremony was held to mark the successful commissioning of the project and highlight its role in advancing the UAE’s renewable energy targets.

Partners Speak on the Sustainability Milestone

Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO of Tabreed, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:

“This solar installation deepens our longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Defence, which began with the first district cooling project in 1998. It represents a shared vision for sustainable infrastructure.”

Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, noted:

“This achievement reflects the increasing adoption of distributed solar technologies across strategic sectors in the UAE. We’re proud to contribute to this transformation alongside our partners.”

A Broader Push Toward Renewable Energy

This project adds to a series of clean energy developments in the UAE. In December, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) announced plans to develop 4.6 GW of solar and wind energy capacity across four locations in Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the UAE’s flagship solar project, has now reached a cumulative output of 3.8 GW, reinforcing the country’s leadership in the global transition to clean energy.

Key Highlights:

• Project Scope: 4,000 solar panels powering district cooling systems.
• Capacity: 2.4 MW of clean electricity.
• Partners: UAE Ministry of Defence, Tabreed, Masdar, and EDF (Emerge).
• Duration: 25-year operation agreement signed in 2024.
• Impact: Reduction in carbon emissions, enhanced energy efficiency in military infrastructure.