OMNI Features｜Masdar and EDF Joint Venture Launch Emerge Project to Construct 60 MW Solar Photovoltaic Plant in Sharjah, UAE．Korea Announces Membership in the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA)．ACWA Power Secures Deal for 5.5 GW Solar Projects in Saudi Arabia

(Source: iStock_Credit_bombermoon)

｜Masdar and EDF Joint Venture Launch Emerge Project to Construct 60 MW Solar Photovoltaic Plant in Sharjah, UAE
Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group, has commenced construction on SNOC's 60MWp solar plant in Sharjah, UAE. This photovoltaic array is the largest solar installation in the city to date and is expected to offset 66,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing over 14,600 cars from the road each year. The plant, located at SNOC's Sajaa Gas Complex, aligns with SNOC's commitment to decarbonization and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2032.

The project is part of the United Arab Emirates' ambitious Net-Zero 2050 strategy, contributing to the nation’s transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By decreasing reliance on traditional fossil fuels, the solar plant will provide a cost-effective source of clean energy. Emerge will oversee the entire project lifecycle under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, including financing, design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance for 25 years. Emerge's general manager.

｜Korea Announces Membership in the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA)
Korea has declared its membership in the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), becoming the 21st member. Established in November 2022, GOWA includes 20 Western countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, along with six global offshore wind companies including Vestas, Ørsted, and CIP.

According to reports from the government and the energy sector on the 7th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy recently decided to join GOWA and is expected to complete the membership process in the latter half of the year. A government official stated, "Korea possesses the capacity to establish the value chain required for offshore wind power, and we will benefit from the U.S. and Europe's efforts to counteract China's monopoly on wind turbine products."

GOWA has designated Korea as a base for offshore wind manufacturing, which is anticipated to have a ripple effect on domestic industries such as power generation, shipbuilding, and steel manufacturing. Consequently, Vestas relocated its Asia-Pacific headquarters from Singapore to Korea last September and plans to produce key components and equipment for wind turbines in Korea.

｜ACWA Power Secures Deal for 5.5 GW Solar Projects in Saudi Arabia
Saudi electricity producer and water desalination company ACWA Power Co, has signed agreements to develop, construct, and operate 3 solar projects with a total capacity of 5.5 GW in Saudi Arabia. The company finalized Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) for the Haden (2 GW), Muwayh (2 GW), and Al Khushaybi (1.5 GW) projects, which will supply power to the national grid. The Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) for the Haden plant is USD 0.0158 per kWh, while the Muwayh and Al Khushaybi plants have LCOEs of USD 0.0160 per kWh and USD 0.0167 per kWh, respectively.

The three contracts, valued at SAR 12.3 billion (USD 3.28 billion), span 25 years and are expected to be operational by the first half of 2027. The large-scale solar plants will be situated in Saudi Arabia's western and northern regions. Badeel, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), holds a 34.9% equity stake in each of the project companies. This announcement follows ACWA Power's recent financing of three other solar projects in the Kingdom, totaling 4.55 GW, with an investment of USD 3.4 billion.

參考來源：Renews.biz｜hankyung.com｜ENERGY BOX