By: Solar quarter

Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), a subsidiary of Maaden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company), has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar, a global clean energy leader, and EDF Power Solutions, a provider of low-carbon innovative energy solutions.

Under the agreement, Emerge will develop a solar power project to supply the Al Baitha Bauxite Mine with renewable energy for the next 30 years. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s energy transition and Vision 2030 goals by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable industrial growth.

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 system is expected to generate approximately 17,300 MWh annually, avoiding around 13,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year—the equivalent of taking more than 3,000 cars off the road.

Ali Al-Qahtani, Executive Vice-President, of Maaden’s aluminum business said, “This partnership supports our ambitions to drive renewable energy across our operations, as well as reinforcing our committment to advancing sustainable solutions that benefit both our businesses and the communities we serve. We look forward to working with Emerge to deliver this integral pillar of our operations.”

Omar Aldaweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group and EDF power solutions, and Emerge board member, said, “Emerge’s partnership with Maaden marks a bold step in decarbonizing the Kingdom’s mining sector. By delivering a tailored solar power plant and battery storage solution, we are paving the way for a more resilient, low-carbon future while proving that industrial ambition and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”