Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company Commits to Renewable Energy with Solar Power Agreement

Strategic Insights -

The Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Power Solutions, to develop a solar power project for the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine. This agreement supports Saudi Arabia's energy transition and contributes to the Vision 2030 objectives by reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable industrial growth. The partnership aims to drive renewable energy across MBAC's operations and advance sustainable solutions that benefit both the business and the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • MBAC has partnered with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Power Solutions, to develop a solar power project for the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine.
  • The project will feature an 8 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array and 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 and prevent the emission of approximately 13,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO) each year, equivalent to removing over 3,000 cars from the road annually.
  • Emerge will provide a comprehensive turnkey solution for the project, overseeing every aspect, including financing, design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance.
  • The partnership supports Saudi Arabia's energy transition and 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, highlighted the importance of the partnership in driving renewable energy across MBAC's operations and advancing sustainable solutions.
  • Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chairman of Emerge and Chief Operating Officer at Masdar, emphasized the value of Emerge in providing a seamless and cost-effective pathway to transform to renewable energy.

Statistics:

  • The facility is projected to generate around 17,300 MWh of electricity annually.
  • The project will prevent the emission of approximately 13,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO) each year.
  • The facility will operate with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system.
  • The project will be a 30-year agreement, starting from the completion of the solar power project.
  • The partnership aims to remove over 3,000 cars from the road annually due to the reduction in carbon emissions.

Sources:

  • Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) website, undisclosed date.
  • Masdar website, undisclosed date.
  • EDF Power Solutions website, undisclosed date.