Sharjah, UAE – In a landmark move toward sustainable energy, the Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), in partnership with renewable energy developer Emerge, has officially commissioned the emirate’s first utility-scale solar park, marking a pivotal shift in Sharjah’s energy landscape.
The 60-megawatt peak (MWp) solar park, named Sana, spans an expansive 850,000 square metres adjacent to the Sajaa Gas Plant. The newly inaugurated facility will provide 100% of the plant’s power needs with clean, renewable energy—significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Any surplus electricity generated during the day will be supplied to the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), contributing to the emirate’s broader clean energy supply.
A First-of-Its-Kind Renewable Energy Milestone
The Sana solar park represents Sharjah’s first venture into utility-scale solar infrastructure and is a major step forward in the UAE’s national transition to renewable energy. The project was developed through a collaboration between SNOC, SEWA, and Emerge—the joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based clean energy powerhouse Masdar and France’s EDF Group.
The solar plant was inaugurated on Wednesday, with high-level officials from all partnering organizations present at the ceremony.
BOOT Model Secures 25 Years of Clean Energy Operation
Emerge will manage the project under a Build–Own–Operate–Transfer (BOOT) agreement. This long-term model will see Emerge oversee operations and maintenance of the solar facility for the next 25 years, after which the plant will be transferred back to local authorities.
The strategic partnership combines SNOC’s energy sector legacy with the renewable expertise of Emerge, ensuring both reliability and innovation in the project’s long-term performance.
Clean Energy to Fuel Sharjah’s Industrial Growth
The Sajaa Gas Plant, which plays a critical role in Sharjah’s energy infrastructure, will now be powered entirely by solar energy. This transformation is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and align with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 target.
The integration of excess solar electricity into SEWA’s grid further amplifies the project’s impact, supporting residential and commercial energy needs with sustainable power during peak daylight hours.
Leadership Speaks: A Necessary Shift for the Energy Future
Speaking at the event, SNOC CEO Khamis Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewables. “The shift to using renewable energy is no longer just a choice; it’s something that must be done to keep up with the fast changes happening in the energy world,” he stated.
Al Mazrouei underlined that the project is not only a reflection of SNOC’s commitment to sustainability but also a model for other energy-intensive industries in the region to follow.
Sharjah Joins the Clean Energy Movement
With Sana, Sharjah becomes the latest emirate to make a decisive move toward clean energy, joining Dubai and Abu Dhabi in advancing the UAE’s clean energy transition. The launch of this solar park reinforces the UAE’s broader strategy of leveraging public-private partnerships to fast-track renewable energy deployment.
As the region grapples with the dual challenge of meeting rising energy demand and reducing emissions, projects like Sana highlight the role of solar energy in shaping a more sustainable industrial future.
By commissioning this groundbreaking facility, SNOC and its partners not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also set a new benchmark for the integration of renewables into core industrial operations across the Gulf region.
