Sharjah opens first solar power plant, 'Sana' can light up 13,780 homes

Khaleej Times

4 hours ago

Sharjah unveiled its first solar power plant, 'Sana', on Wednesday morning. The facility, sprawling across 850,000 square meters adjacent to the Sajaa Gas Plant, boasts a formidable capacity of 60 megawatts.
The 60-megawatt 'Sana' solar power plant can produce clean energy sufficient to power approximately 13,780 homes annually, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 66,000 tons each year.
The plant features 13,000 flexible poles that dynamically track the sun's path to maximise energy collection, supporting over 98,000 solar panels for efficient harnessing of solar power. The state-of-the-art facility plant marks a significant milestone in the emirate's clean energy ambitions.
A detailed explanation of the plant's operational mechanism: it generates clean energy to support SNOC's projects, and any excess electricity produced during the day will be supplied to the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa).
Conversely, Sewa will provide the necessary electricity for SNOC's operations during the night.
Eng Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC expressed immense pride in 'Sana', a name meaning "bright light," revealing its genesis eight years ago from an idea conceived by SNOC engineers aiming to establish renewable energy projects in Sharjah.
He stressed that the transition to renewable energy is no longer an option but a necessity, crucial for keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global energy landscape. SNOC's leadership, he affirmed, is committed to integrating this transition as a core component of their strategy, steering towards more sustainable and responsible operations.
Al Mazrouei recounted the journey, which began in 2018 with a modest 300-kilowatt solar plant at the Hamriyah LNG terminal, designed to power operations with clean energy — a precursor to the grand 'Sana' project.
He highlighted that 'Sana' transcends mere energy generation; it represents a strategic investment in the nation's human capital, with many Emirati graduates from local universities contributing to its realisation.
This initiative, he added, reinforces SNOC's commitment to being a reliable energy provider, striving for carbon neutrality, diversifying energy sources, and ensuring safe, sustainable practices for the enduring benefit of Sharjah and its community.
Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chairman of Emerge, confirmed that Emerge, having completed the project, will manage its operation and maintenance for the next 25 years, underscoring the company's confidence in the region's potential and its robust partnerships.
Fatima Al Hammadi, Project Manager of SANA, emphasised the critical role of partnerships and collective efforts in bringing the solar plant to fruition, noting its evolution from an individual idea to a collaborative triumph.
She highlighted 'Sana' as a testament to the teamwork across various industries—electricity, gas, and clean energy—all united by the common goal of advancing clean energy and contributing to a low-carbon future.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed honoured the partners with special shields as a token of appreciation and participated in group photographs. He also met with the Emirati engineers involved in the project, commending their hard work and extending his best wishes.
He also toured the site, exploring the diverse facilities and features of 'Sana'. This plant stands as Sharjah's largest and is distinguished as the first to utilise renewable energy to power the emirate's oil and natural gas facilities.
Uniquely, it is also among the first plants globally designed not only to meet its own electricity needs but also to export surplus power.
The inauguration of the solar power plant marks a pivotal step for SNOC in its journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the UAE's broader environmental sustainability agenda.
The 'Sana' project is a collaborative endeavour supported by SNOC, Sewa, and Emerge—a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and the French company EDF Group, with Emerge designated to oversee the plant's operation.
The project is a testament to Sharjah's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and its focus on harnessing clean and renewable energy, serving as a prime example of collaborative innovation fostering a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.