ADNOC Distribution has announced the launch of the second phase of its service station solarisation programme in collaboration with Emerge, a partnership between Masdar and the EDF Group. This initiative is designed to finance, design, install, and maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at service stations across ADNOC Distribution’s network in the UAE. The programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy while enhancing operational efficiency by lowering energy costs.

The solarisation programme aligns with ADNOC Distribution’s sustainability goals, including a commitment to reduce operational carbon intensity by 25% by 2030. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate sustainable practices across its operations. In January 2023, ADNOC Distribution made headlines by becoming the first fuel and convenience retailer in the UAE to convert an existing $1.5 billion term loan into a sustainability-linked loan, which ties financial incentives to achieving sustainability targets, including solarisation efforts.

Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the collaboration with Emerge will enhance the solar energy presence at their Abu Dhabi service stations, building on the success of the previous solarisation in Dubai. He emphasized that incorporating solar power into their energy mix is an essential aspect of ADNOC’s commitment to sustainability and the UAE’s net-zero goals.

Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, highlighted the successful completion of the first phase of the solarisation project, which involved installing solar panels at 28 service stations in Dubai. He stated that the second phase will extend to more than 100 stations, reinforcing Emerge’s commitment to assisting businesses in the UAE in reducing carbon emissions and achieving their sustainability objectives.

The partnership has already produced significant results, generating over 6,300 MWh of electricity by the end of 2024, which has led to a reduction of more than 2,900 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. During Phase 2, ADNOC Distribution and Emerge expect the solar panels to produce nearly 30,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power nearly one billion smartphones and avoid over 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. This reduction is comparable to the carbon absorption of nearly 250,000 tree seedlings growing for 10 years.