Solar energy plays a pivotal role in driving environmental sustainability. It provides an environmentally friendly alternative by producing zero emissions, with less impact on global warming.

The demand for Solar PV has increased throughout the years, which has resulted in reducing clean energy costs. Power generation from solar PV increased by a record 270 TWh in 2022, up by 26% compared to 2021. Aside from this, the share of electricity generation from solar energy worldwide increased from 0.15% in 2010 to 4.55% in 2022. Solar PV remains the third largest renewable electricity technology behind hydropower and wind. This demonstrates the significant growth in the adoption of solar energy as a source of electricity generation and the high interest in transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The UAE is also working towards the adoption of cleaner energy sources. The UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 aims to increase the UAE’s GDP by 4-5 percent, increase its exports by about AED 24 to 25 billion and reduce the country’s emissions to less than 100 kilowatt-hours. In addition, the country also announced its National Climate Change Plan, which centres on managing greenhouse gas emissions while sustaining economic growth, minimising risks and improving capacity of adaptation to climate change, and enhancing the UAE’s economic diversification agenda through innovative solutions.

In line with the UAE’s sustainability development plan, Tadweer has improved the energy efficiency of the PV solar generation plant at its Abu Dhabi crushing plant for recycling construction and demolition waste, located in Al Dhafra region.

Tadweer along with the plant investor increased the total solar power system capacity used in the plant gradually by 50% to reach 752 kWp. Thus, it became the region’s first crushing plant that operated 80%-90% of its energy by solar.

This major milestone plays a pivotal role in saving the environment from harmful emissions by reducing the carbon footprint in the UAE. Enhancing the efficiency of the solar energy system used in the plant has reduced the carbon footprint by 6,164 ton Co2 annually which is equivalent to planting 102,733 trees, based on studies. It will also preserve 2.3 million litres of diesel fuel on an annual basis.

The Abu Dhabi Crushing Plant is the first of its kind in the region to rely on clean energy sources in its operations. Tadweer will continue to ensure adopting clean energy sources in its current and future projects, to mitigate climate change and build a sustainable future.