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Solar energy

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company Signs Groundbreaking Solar Power Agreement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), has announced a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable industrial growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Power Solutions, MBAC will transition its Al Baitha Bauxite Mine to renewable energy for the next 30 years. This innovative project is a testament to the company's commitment to drive renewable energy across its operations and advance sustainable solutions that benefit both its business and the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 30-year Power Purchase Agreement between Maaden's Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) and Emerge will see the development of a solar power project to supply the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine with renewable energy.
  • The off-grid facility will feature an 8 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array paired with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system to manage solar intermittency and ensure a continuous 24/7 electricity supply.
  • The solar power project is expected to generate approximately 17,300 MWh annually, avoiding around 13,800 tonnes of CO emissions each year, which is equivalent to taking more than 3,000 cars off the road.
  • Ali Al-Qahtani, Executive Vice-President of Maaden's aluminum business, stated that the partnership supports the company's ambitions to drive renewable energy across its operations and advancing sustainable solutions.
  • Omar Aldaweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group and EDF Power Solutions, and Emerge board member, highlighted that the partnership marks a bold step in decarbonizing the Kingdom's mining sector, paving the way for a more resilient, low-carbon future.
  • The milestone project is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable industrial growth.

Statistics:

  • The solar power project is expected to generate 17,300 MWh annually.
  • The project will avoid around 13,800 tonnes of CO emissions each year.
  • The solar power array will be 8 MWp.
  • The battery energy storage system will be 30 MWh.
  • The project is expected to run for 30 years.

Sources:

  • Maaden
  • Emerge
  • Masdar
  • EDF Power Solutions

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