emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Sharjah Petroleum Department, and Chairman of the Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), inaugurated “SANA,” Sharjah’s first solar power plant, on Wednesday. Covering an area of 850,000 square meters and located near the Sajaa Gas Plant, the facility has a generation capacity of 60 megawatts.
The solar plant was developed with the support of SNOC in partnership with the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) and Emerge—a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and the French EDF Group. Emerge has been assigned to operate the plant.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed described the inauguration as a significant milestone in Sharjah’s shift toward sustainable energy. He stressed that the project aligns with the broader vision of the Emirate’s Energy Council, which is dedicated to future-proofing Sharjah’s energy and water strategies. He also noted that the initiative reflects Sharjah’s strong commitment to environmental preservation and renewable energy.
The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech by Eng. Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC, who shared the background story of the SANA plant. He explained that the idea took root eight years ago, conceived by a group of SNOC engineers driven to launch clean energy projects in Sharjah.
Al Mazrouei highlighted that embracing renewable energy is no longer optional but essential, given the rapid global transformation in the energy sector. He emphasized that SNOC is deeply committed to this transition as a core part of its corporate strategy.
He also recounted the origins of Sharjah’s solar journey, which began in 2018 with a 300-kilowatt solar plant at the Hamriyah LNG terminal. That small project laid the groundwork for what is now the SANA solar plant.
Beyond power generation, Al Mazrouei said the project is an investment in local talent. Many engineers and workers involved are Emirati graduates from local universities. He added that the initiative supports SNOC’s strategic objectives: achieving carbon neutrality, diversifying energy sources, and maintaining safe, sustainable operations. The overall goal is to long-term benefits for Sharjah and its people.
Al Mazrouei also extended deep appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Energy Council; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of SNOC—for their guidance and support.
He concluded by thanking all contributors—individuals and institutions—for their collective effort in bringing the project to life, expressing confidence that this is only the beginning of further ambitious achievements.
Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chairman of Emerge, also spoke at the event, calling the launch of SANA a major achievement not just for Sharjah, but for the UAE and the wider region. He praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, from engineers and technicians to consultants, and thanked Masdar and EDF for their vital support.
Al Obaidli explained that the SANA plant represents more than just a renewable energy source—it reflects the leadership’s vision for sustainability and serves as a symbol of the country’s clean energy ambitions. He emphasized that the plant will enhance Sharjah’s energy security and significantly contribute to cutting carbon emissions, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
He noted that Emerge is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions that help partners achieve their sustainability targets. The company will also oversee the operation and maintenance of the SANA plant for the next 25 years, demonstrating its long-term commitment and confidence in the region’s clean energy potential.
Al Obaidli concluded by saying that SANA is a clear example of the results that can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships. He expressed hopes for future projects that continue to build on this success.
The event also featured a documentary film detailing the construction and features of the SANA plant, showcasing the dedication of all those involved.
Fatima Al Hammadi, the project manager, delivered remarks recognizing the hard work and partnerships that made the project possible. She noted that what began as a single idea evolved into a collaborative effort across multiple sectors, including electricity, gas, and renewable energy. She praised the team’s commitment to building a greener future.
As part of the celebration, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed presented commemorative shields to partners and posed for group photos. He also met with the Emirati engineers behind the project, commending their efforts and wishing them continued success.
His Highness officially activated the solar plant by pressing the launch button, signaling the start of operations. He then toured the site to view the plant’s infrastructure and features. SANA is now the largest solar power plant in Sharjah and the first in the emirate to provide renewable energy for oil and gas operations. It is also among the first globally designed to meet its own power needs while exporting surplus electricity.
During the tour, H.H. was briefed on the technical aspects of the plant. Capable of powering approximately 13,780 homes annually, the facility will reduce carbon emissions by 66,000 tons each year. It uses 13,000 sun-tracking poles to maximize solar capture, supporting more than 98,000 solar panels that work in tandem to generate clean, efficient energy.
The solar plant was developed with the support of SNOC in partnership with the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) and Emerge—a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and the French EDF Group. Emerge has been assigned to operate the plant.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed described the inauguration as a significant milestone in Sharjah’s shift toward sustainable energy. He stressed that the project aligns with the broader vision of the Emirate’s Energy Council, which is dedicated to future-proofing Sharjah’s energy and water strategies. He also noted that the initiative reflects Sharjah’s strong commitment to environmental preservation and renewable energy.
The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech by Eng. Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC, who shared the background story of the SANA plant. He explained that the idea took root eight years ago, conceived by a group of SNOC engineers driven to launch clean energy projects in Sharjah.
Al Mazrouei highlighted that embracing renewable energy is no longer optional but essential, given the rapid global transformation in the energy sector. He emphasized that SNOC is deeply committed to this transition as a core part of its corporate strategy.
He also recounted the origins of Sharjah’s solar journey, which began in 2018 with a 300-kilowatt solar plant at the Hamriyah LNG terminal. That small project laid the groundwork for what is now the SANA solar plant.
Beyond power generation, Al Mazrouei said the project is an investment in local talent. Many engineers and workers involved are Emirati graduates from local universities. He added that the initiative supports SNOC’s strategic objectives: achieving carbon neutrality, diversifying energy sources, and maintaining safe, sustainable operations. The overall goal is to long-term benefits for Sharjah and its people.
Al Mazrouei also extended deep appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Energy Council; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of SNOC—for their guidance and support.
He concluded by thanking all contributors—individuals and institutions—for their collective effort in bringing the project to life, expressing confidence that this is only the beginning of further ambitious achievements.
Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chairman of Emerge, also spoke at the event, calling the launch of SANA a major achievement not just for Sharjah, but for the UAE and the wider region. He praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, from engineers and technicians to consultants, and thanked Masdar and EDF for their vital support.
Al Obaidli explained that the SANA plant represents more than just a renewable energy source—it reflects the leadership’s vision for sustainability and serves as a symbol of the country’s clean energy ambitions. He emphasized that the plant will enhance Sharjah’s energy security and significantly contribute to cutting carbon emissions, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
He noted that Emerge is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions that help partners achieve their sustainability targets. The company will also oversee the operation and maintenance of the SANA plant for the next 25 years, demonstrating its long-term commitment and confidence in the region’s clean energy potential.
Al Obaidli concluded by saying that SANA is a clear example of the results that can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships. He expressed hopes for future projects that continue to build on this success.
The event also featured a documentary film detailing the construction and features of the SANA plant, showcasing the dedication of all those involved.
Fatima Al Hammadi, the project manager, delivered remarks recognizing the hard work and partnerships that made the project possible. She noted that what began as a single idea evolved into a collaborative effort across multiple sectors, including electricity, gas, and renewable energy. She praised the team’s commitment to building a greener future.
As part of the celebration, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed presented commemorative shields to partners and posed for group photos. He also met with the Emirati engineers behind the project, commending their efforts and wishing them continued success.
His Highness officially activated the solar plant by pressing the launch button, signaling the start of operations. He then toured the site to view the plant’s infrastructure and features. SANA is now the largest solar power plant in Sharjah and the first in the emirate to provide renewable energy for oil and gas operations. It is also among the first globally designed to meet its own power needs while exporting surplus electricity.
During the tour, H.H. was briefed on the technical aspects of the plant. Capable of powering approximately 13,780 homes annually, the facility will reduce carbon emissions by 66,000 tons each year. It uses 13,000 sun-tracking poles to maximize solar capture, supporting more than 98,000 solar panels that work in tandem to generate clean, efficient energy.