- The Genetic Center will have photovoltaic solar panels installed and impact carbon emissions reduction.
- This installation will generate approximately 500 MWh of clean energy annually.
In a significant development for sustainable energy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) has unveiled plans to power its newly constructed Plant Genetic Resources Center in Al Ain with renewable energy. This initiative will involve the installation of photovoltaic solar panels and impact reducing carbon emissions. In addition, under a 20-year agreement with TotalEnergies, the Genetic Center will benefit from a solar energy system that will meet its power requirements.
TotalEnergies will handle the system’s installation, operations, and maintenance, ensuring its efficiency and longevity. The project will include a 330 kWp solar carport for the Genetics Laboratory facility. It will be equipped with 680 photovoltaic panels, covering a total area of 1,360 square meters in car park shades. Consequently, this installation will generate approximately 500 MWh of clean energy annually, making a noteworthy contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
The environmental impact of this endeavour is substantial, with EAD expecting to reduce its annual carbon footprint by 200 tonnes of CO2. This is equivalent to the energy use of approximately 25 homes annually. Moreover, this project aligns with the UAE’s ambitious goal to produce clean and renewable energy by 2035 and its aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. TotalEnergies is actively pushing sustainable energy goals. It recently signed a deal with the Plant Genetic Resource Centre, expected to launch by the end of 2023. Through these initiatives, TotalEnergies is positioning the UAE as a leader in plant conservation.