Sharjah inaugurates first solar power plant with 60MW capacity
SANA solar project to power 13,780 homes
SHARJAH: In a landmark move for clean energy in the UAE, Sharjah’s Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi inaugurated the emirate’s first-ever solar power plant on Wednesday.
Known as SANA, meaning “bright light” in Arabic, the 60-megawatt solar facility is set to play a crucial role in Sharjah’s transition to renewable energy, marking a major milestone for the region.
The solar plant, developed with the support of the Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), spans an impressive 850,000 square metres near the Sajaa Gas Plant. It has the capacity to power around 13,780 homes annually and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 66,000 tonnes each year. It stands as the largest renewable energy plant in the emirate and the first to serve Sharjah’s oil and natural gas infrastructure with clean power.
Spearheaded by SNOC in collaboration with the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), and Emerge – a joint venture between Abu Dhabi’s Masdar and France’s EDF – the SANA project will be operated and maintained by Emerge for the next 25 years.
SANA solar project
At the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed reaffirmed that the SANA solar project represents a major leap forward in Sharjah’s broader vision for a sustainable future. He noted that this initiative is aligned with the goals of the Emirate’s Energy Council, which aims to secure a balanced and sustainable future for energy and water in the region.
افتتحنا اليوم محطة "سنا" للطاقة الشمسية، أول محطة في #الشارقة تكفي لتغذية 13,780 منزلاً وتُسهم في خفض 66 ألف طن من غاز ثاني أكسيد الكربون سنوياً.
— سلطان بن أحمد القاسمي (@saqshj) June 25, 2025
إنجاز يُجسد تحولاً نوعياً في مسيرتنا نحو الطاقة النظيفة وخطوة نفاخر بها نحو مستقبل أكثر استدامة. pic.twitter.com/j4X6MHWVLT
The event began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech from Eng. Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC. He shared that the SANA initiative originated from a concept proposed by a group of engineers at SNOC eight years ago. What began as a small project with a 300-kilowatt solar plant at the Hamriyah LNG terminal in 2018 has now evolved into one of the largest solar energy undertakings in the emirate.
Al Mazrouei described the SANA plant as more than just a source of renewable energy. “This is an investment in our people, in our future,” he said. The project has been built with the contributions of many young Emirati engineers and graduates from local universities, signifying the emirate’s commitment to developing its national talent pool in energy innovation.
Clean energy collaboration
Al Mazrouei underlined SNOC’s commitment to carbon neutrality, diversification of energy sources, and safe, sustainable practices. He attributed the success of the plant to the unwavering support of the leadership, especially Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of SNOC.
The Chairman of Emerge, Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, also addressed attendees, highlighting the project’s environmental and economic significance. He noted that the collaboration between Masdar, EDF, and local stakeholders not only enabled the completion of the project but also laid the foundation for future partnerships.
Al Obaidli remarked, “SANA is not just a solar plant – it’s a testament to what public and private cooperation can achieve.” He also pointed out that this project strengthens energy security, contributes to emission reduction, and showcases the UAE’s regional leadership in renewable energy adoption.
The facility features 13,000 dual-axis tracking poles, which rotate to follow the sun’s movement for optimal energy capture. These poles support over 98,000 solar panels, enhancing power generation efficiency.
Innovation and sustainability
Fatima Al Hammadi, Project Manager of SANA, took the stage to detail the collaborative effort that brought the solar plant to life. She credited the seamless integration of electricity, gas, and clean energy sectors for the project's success. “This project started as a single idea and turned into a collective triumph,” she said, praising the Emirati engineers and partners who helped shape it.
During the inauguration, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed honoured key stakeholders and toured the plant to explore its capabilities. A short documentary was screened, showcasing the development phases and technical details of the solar facility.
The SANA plant is particularly noteworthy for being one of the first globally to power oil and gas operations while simultaneously generating surplus energy for export. Its technological setup is tailored not only to meet current energy demands but also to adapt to future needs, reinforcing Sharjah’s strategic role in the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.
Sheikh Sultan pressed the inauguration button, officially launching the solar plant’s operations. His visit concluded with a group photograph with project partners and engineers.