Abu Dhabi- “Masdar” launches the region’s first agrivoltaic solar energy project
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), a global leader in clean energy, announced its collaboration with Elite Agro, a trusted global company in agriculture and food production and development, to launch the first agrivoltaic solar photovoltaic project in the Middle East and North Africa.
The project was announced during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the global platform for accelerating sustainable progress, hosted by Masdar.
Located at Elite Agro’s Al Foah farm in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, the project will serve as a scalable model for sustainable agriculture and the integration of renewable energy solutions in the region.
Agrivoltaic solutions optimize land use by combining clean energy generation and crop cultivation simultaneously, through the integration of solar panels with greenhouses.
This approach enhances resource efficiency, particularly in regions with limited arable land and high energy demand.
The carefully planned shading provided by the solar panels also reduces thermal and water stress on plants, improving crop productivity while lowering irrigation water needs.
The project contributes to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the Net Zero by 2050 initiative by expanding and enhancing the efficiency of clean energy solutions.
It also aligns with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 by enabling sustainable local production through modern agricultural technologies.
Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, stated that the project offers an innovative solution to integrate clean energy with agriculture, supporting food and energy security and the adaptability of food systems, according to the Emirates News Agency.
He added that integrating advanced solar energy systems into local farms will reduce water consumption, increase agricultural output, and generate renewable energy, reflecting Masdar’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and building a sustainable future in the UAE and globally.
Maurizio Tirazi, CEO of Elite Agro, said that the partnership with Masdar is an important step supporting agriculture in dry and semi-arid regions. It demonstrates that food security and the energy transition are not separate goals, but interconnected solutions.
He explained that the pilot agrivoltaic solar project at Al Foah farm aims to achieve tangible, measurable results, from improving water efficiency and crop performance to optimizing land use and enhancing energy resilience.
Source: www.snabusiness.com
