Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a significant step toward sustainable urban development, Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group, has signed a 20-year solar energy agreement with Misk City. The long-term partnership will bring clean, renewable energy to the ambitious mixed-use community located in the northwest of Riyadh.
A Landmark in Green Infrastructure
As part of the agreement, Emerge will develop a 621-kilowatt peak (kWp) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The plant will be installed on a purpose-built carport structure along with other dedicated assets within the city.
Once operational, the solar system is expected to deliver substantial carbon emission reductions, directly contributing to Misk City’s strategy to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The initiative also aligns with the city’s broader vision of becoming one of the leading environmentally sustainable communities in the Middle East.
Comprehensive Turnkey Delivery
Emerge is responsible for the end-to-end development and delivery of the solar project. This includes the full engineering and design, financing, procurement, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance.
The integrated approach reflects Emerge’s unique value proposition in the region: delivering customised, high-quality clean energy solutions with minimal disruption to clients and stakeholders.
Leaders Gather to Celebrate the Milestone
The signing ceremony was held at Misk City and was attended by high-level representatives from both parties and international guests. Notable attendees included:
- David Henry, CEO of Misk City
- Omar AlDaweesh, Emerge Board Member
- Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge
- Samuel Ménard, Economic Counsellor, French Embassy
- Anouar Mekkas, Nuclear and Renewable Energy Advisor, French Embassy
Speaking at the event, David Henry highlighted the alignment between Misk City’s foundational vision and this latest step in sustainability:
“From the very beginning, Misk City has been envisioned as a forward-looking, sustainable urban community – designed to empower future generations and lead by example in innovation and environmental responsibility. Integrating clean energy into our infrastructure is a natural extension of that vision.”
Driving Clean Energy Adoption in Saudi Arabia
Omar AlDaweesh, Board Member at Emerge, emphasized the national significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership is a testament to the growing momentum for clean energy adoption in the Kingdom. By supporting Misk City’s pioneering sustainability goals, Emerge is proud to be contributing to a new urban narrative, one where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
He added that Emerge’s holistic, turnkey model makes clean power accessible and scalable, helping fast-track the Kingdom’s energy transition efforts.
Tailored Solutions with Global Expertise
Ali Alshimmari, Emerge Board Member and Director of Strategic & Special Projects at Masdar, underscored the company’s ability to deliver tailored solutions based on its global partnerships:
“At Emerge, every project we deliver is tailored to the unique needs and ambitions of our partner. This agreement with Misk City exemplifies our commitment to supporting clean energy transformation through fully customised energy solutions. By drawing on the global expertise of Masdar and the EDF Group, we ensure world-class quality and innovation at every stage – from design and financing to construction and long-term operations.”
A Model for Sustainable Urban Development
The Misk City project is more than just a solar plant — it symbolizes a larger movement within Saudi Arabia toward future-ready, eco-conscious communities. As the Kingdom advances toward its Vision 2030 sustainability goals, partnerships like this are expected to play a critical role in decarbonizing urban infrastructure and shaping the cities of tomorrow.
With Emerge at the helm, Misk City is poised to become a regional benchmark for green urban living — a place where technology, design, and environmental responsibility converge.
