Emerge, EDB Partner To Boost UAE Distributed Solar Projects

The United Arab Emirates has taken another step forward in its journey toward clean and sustainable energy. Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group, has signed a new agreement with the Emirates Development Bank (EDB). This partnership will focus on developing and financing distributed solar projects across the country.

The agreement comes in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which means both sides have committed to working together on shared goals but are still in the planning and development phase. The goal is to make it easier for companies in the UAE to start using renewable energy—especially solar power—by combining Emerge’s technical expertise with EDB’s financial solutions.

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What the Agreement Means

Under this MoU, Emerge will take the lead in finding and presenting potential renewable energy projects. Once a project is identified, EDB will review it and explore how it can provide tailored financing solutions. This means that businesses will not have to worry about arranging complicated loans on their own—EDB will design financial plans that fit each project’s needs.

This approach aims to speed up the process of switching to clean energy, making it possible for more companies to adopt solar power without major delays or financial challenges.

The Importance of Clean Energy in the UAE

The UAE has been working hard to reduce its dependence on oil and gas, moving toward its Net Zero 2050 goals. Clean energy, especially solar power, plays a big role in this effort. The country’s sunny climate makes solar one of the most promising and reliable renewable energy sources.

Distributed solar projects, which are smaller solar systems installed on rooftops or near where the power is used, are especially important. They allow businesses to produce their own electricity, reduce costs, and lower their impact on the environment.

Statements from the Leaders

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi – CEO, Emirates Development Bank

Al Naqbi highlighted that clean energy is one of the UAE’s biggest industrial enablers. By using solar power, manufacturers, logistics operators, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can cut costs, become more efficient, and stay competitive in the global market.

He explained that through the partnership with Emerge, EDB aims to create practical solutions that mix advanced technical expertise with flexible financing. This combination can help companies move quickly on solar projects without getting stuck in long approval or funding processes.

He added that this initiative supports both the UAE’s energy transition and industrial growth. In other words, it is not just about saving the environment—it is also about building a stronger economy.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi – CEO, Masdar

Al Ramahi pointed out that Emerge and EDB share the same vision when it comes to clean energy transformation in the UAE. Both organizations want to help companies in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector meet their sustainability goals.

He said Emerge’s flexible and client-focused approach makes it easier for companies to keep doing what they do best while also lowering operational costs. The partnership with EDB will ensure that businesses have access to the necessary financing, making it much easier to turn clean energy plans into reality.

Luc Koechlin – CEO Middle East, EDF Group

Koechlin described the MoU as an example of shared ambition—a joint effort to improve infrastructure for the business world of the future. By combining Emerge’s innovative solutions with EDB’s financial support, the partnership aims to expand the reach of impactful clean energy projects.

He stressed that this collaboration will not only help the UAE meet its sustainability targets but also improve the resilience and efficiency of local industries.

How the Partnership Will Work

The partnership focuses on distributed solar energy, which is different from large solar farms. Instead of building massive plants in the desert, these projects will install solar panels directly at the business locations where the electricity is needed.

This method has several advantages:

• Lower energy bills – Companies can produce their own power instead of buying all their electricity from the grid.

• Energy security – Businesses are less affected by power cuts or changes in electricity prices.

• Sustainability – Reduced carbon emissions help the environment and improve the company’s public image.

Emerge will be responsible for finding opportunities and ensuring the technology is well-planned and efficient. EDB will take on the role of financial enabler, providing loans or other financial products that make it easier for businesses to invest in solar power.

Supporting UAE’s Net Zero Goals

The UAE has set a clear path toward a Net Zero future by 2050. Partnerships like the one between Emerge and EDB are essential for reaching this goal. By making solar energy more accessible, the country can speed up its shift away from fossil fuels.

For businesses, this is more than just an environmental move—it is also a smart financial decision. As energy prices rise globally, producing electricity locally from solar power can save money and protect companies from sudden market changes.

Benefits for Different Sectors

This partnership will benefit a wide range of sectors, including:

• Manufacturing – Lower costs mean more competitive products in global markets.

• Logistics – Warehouses and transport hubs can use solar power for operations, reducing fuel and electricity expenses.

• SMEs – Smaller companies often struggle to access affordable financing for big projects, but EDB’s tailored solutions will make it easier.

By offering technical expertise and financial flexibility, the partnership will remove two of the biggest barriers to clean energy adoption: lack of know-how and lack of funding.

Long-Term Impact

If successful, this model could become a template for future clean energy projects in the UAE and other countries. By combining technology providers with supportive banks, renewable energy adoption can be greatly accelerated.

The partnership could also encourage more innovation in the solar sector, such as battery storage solutions, smarter energy management systems, and new financing models like power purchase agreements (PPAs) that allow companies to pay for solar energy without owning the system.

EDB’s Ongoing Role in UAE’s Growth

The Emirates Development Bank has been playing a key role in driving innovation and supporting business growth in the UAE. With its tailored financing solutions, it has helped companies in various industries grow and succeed.

By entering the renewable energy space, EDB is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable economic development. It is not just funding projects—it is helping to shape the future of the UAE’s economy in a way that balances growth with environmental responsibility.

The partnership between Emerge and EDB is more than just a business deal—it is a strategic step toward a greener, more competitive, and more resilient UAE. By making solar energy easier to adopt, it benefits both the environment and the economy.

With Emerge’s technical know-how and EDB’s financial backing, businesses of all sizes will have the tools they need to start their clean energy journey. As the UAE continues its transition to a sustainable future, partnerships like this will play a major role in achieving the country’s Net Zero ambitions while building a strong foundation for industrial growth.