Emerge And EDB Partner To Boost UAE Solar Projects

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Development Bank (EDB). This agreement aims to speed up the development and financing of distributed solar projects in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership combines technical expertise in renewable energy with financial innovation to support the UAE’s Net Zero goals and industrial transformation.

Under the terms of this agreement, Emerge will lead the effort to identify renewable energy opportunities across the country. It will focus on areas where clean energy can have the greatest operational and economic impact. Emirates Development Bank will offer customized financing solutions to ensure that promising projects receive the capital they need to move forward. This collaboration is specifically aimed at the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors, including manufacturing plants and logistics hubs. It will help these sectors cut costs, improve energy reliability, and meet sustainability targets more effectively.

The initiative highlights the UAE’s increasing focus on renewable energy as a key factor in diversifying the economy and boosting industrial competitiveness. By concentrating on the C&I sector, the partnership recognizes its significant energy needs and the potential for solar power to provide enduring cost savings, reduce carbon emissions, and stabilize operations.

His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He described clean energy as a vital element for the nation’s industries. Solar energy offers a practical option for manufacturers, logistics operators, and small and medium-sized businesses to lower costs, improve operational resilience, and remain competitive globally. Al Naqbi noted that the partnership with Emerge aims to provide solutions that combine technical skills with flexible financing to quicken project timelines.

This MoU builds on Emerge’s demonstrated success in delivering renewable energy projects in the region and aligns with EDB’s goal to promote economic diversification through strategic investments. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, reiterated the shared commitment of both organizations to support the UAE’s energy transition. He pointed out that Emerge allows companies to focus on their main operations while enjoying lower energy costs. The collaboration with EDB will facilitate access to the funding necessary to achieve sustainability goals.

For EDF Group, this partnership is an opportunity to expand clean energy infrastructure to meet the future needs of the C&I sector. Luc Koechlin, CEO of EDF Group Middle East, noted that the MoU shows a mutual desire to strengthen cooperation on infrastructure projects that will support future business models. By merging Emerge’s innovative approaches with EDB’s financial resources, the two organizations aim to promote impactful clean energy developments across the UAE.

Since its establishment in 2021, Emerge has developed a portfolio that includes distributed solar, battery storage, off-grid solar, and hybrid energy systems designed for commercial and industrial clients. The company currently supplies clean electricity to over 40 sites in the GCC, serving sectors such as education, hospitality, and industry. Its success illustrates the potential for scalable distributed energy solutions, especially in areas with high solar capacity and growing industrial needs.

The UAE’s pledge to reach Net Zero by 2050 has led to various initiatives focused on increasing the use of renewable energy technologies. This recent partnership between Emerge and EDB is another important milestone in mobilizing capital and expertise toward creating a more sustainable energy framework. By linking project delivery with targeted financing, this collaboration sets an example of how public and private organizations can work together to unlock renewable energy potential on a large scale.

As clean energy infrastructure becomes more vital to the UAE’s industrial scene, partnerships like this will play a key role in ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental goals. The combination of Emerge’s practical technical skills and EDB’s adaptable financing could help overcome a major challenge in adopting renewable energy—access to affordable, customized funding—while providing tangible benefits to businesses across the commercial and industrial sectors.

In summary, the MoU between Emerge and Emirates Development Bank is more than just an agreement; it is a strategic plan to connect renewable energy opportunities with industrial needs and financial possibilities. With the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy as the guiding vision, this partnership shows how combining expertise and resources can lead to a cleaner, more resilient energy future. As implementation begins, the positive effects are expected to go beyond cost savings and operational enhancements for individual businesses. They will contribute to the UAE’s overall sustainable economic growth and its leadership in renewable energy across the region.