Abu Dhabi: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has entered into a pivotal agreement with Emerge, a collaborative venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar and EDF Group, aimed at solarizing the freight terminal of the railway network in Ghuweifat.
The agreement encompasses a comprehensive setup, including a 600 kWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system and a 2.56 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Upon completion, this setup is projected to generate up to 85 percent of the terminal's electricity requirements.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ahmed Al-Yafei, CEO of Etihad Rail Infrastructure and Eng., Abdulaziz AlObaidli, Chairman of Emerge, Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and Luc Koechlin, CEO of EDF Middle East.
Under the terms of the agreement, Etihad Rail will utilize Emerge's technology to harness solar energy, thereby supplementing the Ghuweifat freight terminal with renewable energy during daylight hours. This initiative is expected to offset the terminal's energy consumption during the night and reduce CO2 emissions by over 8,500 tons throughout the contract period.
In a statement on the agreement, Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, emphasized, "This initiative is a cornerstone of our vision to embed sustainability across all facets of our operations. With the backing of Sheikh Theab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, we are at the forefront of the transition towards a low-carbon and energy-efficient economy. By collaborating with Emerge and initiating the shift to solar power, we are not only mitigating our environmental footprint but also fostering greener and more resilient supply chains, thereby aligning with our nation's objectives and aspirations for a sustainable future."
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, commented, "The partnership with Etihad Rail marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure development in the region. By leveraging the combined expertise of both Masdar and EDF Group - leading entities in the energy sector - the Emerge joint venture is well-positioned to support Etihad Rail and other entities in reducing their environmental impact and advancing towards the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategy."
Luc Koechlin, CEO of EDF Group Middle East, stated, "As a global leader in the generation of low-carbon electricity, EDF Group is honored to support Etihad Rail in this innovative initiative, which reflects our collective commitment to a sustainable energy future. By leveraging our expertise in low-carbon solutions, including our extensive knowledge of transportation infrastructure and electrification, we are proud to contribute to the UAE's energy transition and assist in the realization of a net-zero Middle East."
This initiative signifies a significant stride in Etihad Rail's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship, directly contributing to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
Moreover, it exemplifies Etihad Rail's leadership in advancing the United Arab Emirates' Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, in addition to the railway network's role in diminishing CO2 emissions within the UAE's road transport sector by an annual 21 percent by the year 2050.
The Ghuweifat freight terminal acts as a pivotal gateway for ensuring smooth cross-border operations.
Situated at the border with Saudi Arabia, the terminal is in a unique position to promote sustainable logistics solutions across the region, in line with Etihad Rail's goals to encourage more environmentally friendly freight operations. By incorporating solar technology into its infrastructure, the Etihad Rail's Ghuweifat terminal is on the path to achieving self-sufficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources to sustainably operate and minimize its carbon footprint, thereby establishing a new benchmark for efficient and eco-friendly logistics and infrastructure.
