Developed by Emerge—a joint venture between Masdar and France’s EDF Group—in partnership with SNOC and SEWA, the project supports Sharjah’s efforts to integrate renewable energy into its infrastructure. The plant features more than 98,000 solar panels installed on 13,000 single-axis trackers, covering an area of 850,000 square meters.
Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chairman of Emerge, stated: “This project enhances energy security and contributes to emissions reduction.” The solar facility is expected to offset approximately 66,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the electricity usage of about 13,780 households. It will supply clean energy to SNOC’s operations during daylight hours and rely on SEWA for night-time demand.
Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC, explained that the idea for the plant originated eight years ago with a group of engineers focused on renewable energy development. He said: “The project began with a small 300 kW solar unit at our Hamriyah LNG terminal in 2018 and has now grown into a strategic step in our broader plan to reduce carbon emissions, diversify energy sources, and maintain safe and sustainable operations.”
Masdar noted that the SANA solar plant is among the first large-scale oil and gas processing facilities worldwide to be powered by on-site solar generation. Emerge will operate and maintain the facility for the next 25 years, emphasizing the long-term nature of the initiative.
The project highlights the role of public-private collaboration in delivering sustainable energy solutions. Emerge described the initiative as a demonstration of how partnerships between government entities and private firms can accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure.
In related developments, researchers in Sharjah recently tested a mist-cooled bifacial solar panel designed to improve performance under high temperatures. The new technology, developed by UAE-based universities, reportedly increased electricity output by up to 37% on sunny days and 46% on cloudy days. The innovative design also helps regulate panel temperatures, supporting more stable operation in hot environments.
The SANA project represents a significant step in Sharjah’s renewable energy development and sets a foundation for further innovation and investment in sustainable power.
