Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company Signs Major Solar Power Agreement

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, has taken a significant step towards sustainable mining operations by signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF power solutions. Under the agreement, Emerge will develop a solar power project to supply the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine with clean, renewable energy for the next 30 years. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia's energy transition and aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable industrial growth.

Key Takeaways:

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and EDF power solutions, to develop a solar power project at the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine.
The project will supply the mine with clean, renewable energy for the next 30 years, aligning with Saudi Arabia's energy transition goals outlined in Vision 2030.
The off-grid energy facility will feature a ground-mounted 8 MWp solar photovoltaic array and a 30 MWh battery energy storage system, ensuring a 24/7 electricity supply.
The facility is expected to generate approximately 17,300 MWh of electricity annually, helping to avoid around 13,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year.
The project will mark a major step towards sustainable mining operations, allowing the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine to operate almost entirely on renewable energy.
Emerge will deliver a full turnkey solution for the project, managing all aspects, including financing, design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance.
The project supports the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable industrial growth.
The facility will be able to operate independently of the grid, providing a reliable and consistent energy supply.

Statistics:

17,300 MWh: The estimated annual electricity generation of the facility.
8 MWp: The size of the ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array.
30 MWh: The size of the battery energy storage system.
13,800 tonnes: The estimated annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
3,000: The number of cars that could be removed from the road annually due to the project.
30 years: The duration of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company and Emerge.

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