Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of Maaden, one of the world's fastest-growing mining companies, has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge. Emerge is a joint venture between Masdar, a global leader in clean energy, and EDF Power Solutions, renowned for low-carbon, innovative solutions.
Al Baitha Bauxite Mine moves towards sustainability
Through this agreement, Emerge will spearhead the development of a solar power project designed to provide clean, renewable energy to the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine over the next 30 years. This initiative not only supports Saudi Arabia's energy transition but also contributes to the Vision 2030 objectives by reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable industrial growth.
Ali Al-Qahtani, Executive Vice-President of Maaden's aluminium business, said, "This partnership supports our ambitions to drive renewable energy across our operations, as well as reinforcing our commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that benefit both our businesses and the communities we serve. We look forward to working with Emerge to deliver this integral pillar of our operations."
The off-grid energy facility will feature an 8 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array, complemented by a 30 MWh battery energy storage system to address the intermittency of solar production and ensure a continuous 24/7 electricity supply. The facility is projected to generate around 17,300 MWh of electricity annually.
Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chairman of Emerge and Chief Operating Officer at Masdar, commented, "Emerge offers businesses a seamless, cost-effective pathway to transform to renewable energy. This partnership demonstrates the value Emerge brings to industries looking to decarbonise and optimise their energy usage."
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Significance of this project
This project will help prevent the emission of approximately 13,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) each year, which is equivalent to removing over 3,000 cars from the road annually. With this facility, the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine will operate nearly entirely on renewable energy, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable mining practices. Emerge will provide a comprehensive turnkey solution for the project, overseeing every aspect, including financing, design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Omar Aldaweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group and EDF Power Solutions, and Emerge board member, added, "Emerge's partnership with Maaden marks a bold step in decarbonising the Kingdom's mining sector. By delivering a tailored solar power plant and battery storage solution, we are paving the way for a more resilient, low-carbon future while proving that industrial ambition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand."
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