Our Impact Numbers

  • 20,000

    Households Supplied

  • 175,000 t

    Displaced Annually

  • 200 Million

    Gallons Saved

  • 150+

    Jobs Created

Sustainability

With per capita greenhouse gas emissions among the highest in the world, Abu Dhabi has recognized the need to diversify its economy and reduce its carbon footprint.

Sustainability

 

As the first country in the Middle East to ratify the Paris Agreement, the UAE’s commitment to mitigating the risks of climate change is at the forefront of the country’s long-term development strategy as part of its transition to cleaner energy sources, as envisioned under the UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Energy Strategy 2050.

A proven example of the UAE’s pioneering spirit in developing innovative clean energy technologies, Shams has paved the way for other ambitious clean energy projects as the country prepares for the next 50 years of its development,

The plant is helping the United Arab Emirates diversify its energy mix, and contributing to the reduction of the country’s carbon footprint by displacing about 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees or removing 15,000 cars from Abu Dhabi’s roads.

Shams is committed to deploying the highest standards of Health and & Safety to keep our employees safe and healthy. And as the only solar power plant in Madinat Zayed that supplies clean energy to around 20,000 households, it is our responsibility to support and contribute to the community we serve.

Sustainability

Environment

Before work began on Shams, an environmental impact assessment of the project site and plant operations was undertaken. The assessment determined that the project would have no significant environmental impacts, provided adequate controls and monitoring procedures were implemented.

The areas particularly scrutinized from the operational phase were pollutant emissions from the heaters, accidental oil leaks from the heat transfer fluid piping and wastewater produced by the plant. From the construction phase, focus areas were air emissions (dust and combustion gases), land take, soil erosion, accidental discharge/spills of chemicals and waste materials, and the operation of heavy machinery.

None of these potential impacts is expected to be significant given the effective mitigation steps in place and the robust ecological systems at the site or at nearby receptors. These impacts are being controlled and minimized through proper operational controls, procedures, method statements and training.

Environmental impact assessment

The environmental impact assessment addressed effects involving the project’s location, construction and operation. More explicitly, the assessment reviewed the physical environment, biological environment and socio-economic environment.

Health & Safety and Environment

After many years of operation, we are proud to say that we take care of the environment by applying the highest standards of Health & Safety. Our priority is to keep our employees safe, healthy and to take care of the environment.

Sustainability

Community

As the only solar power plant in Madinat Zayed that supplies clean energy to 20,000 households, we have a responsibility to support and contribute to the community we serve.

All aspects of the plant’s development and operation are coordinated with the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA), along with community representatives and neighboring landowners and tenants. Areas of coordination include developing projects to improve regional infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and increasing business efficiency through investment in the Western Region.

In addition, Shams Power Company has worked with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) to identify, record and protect any sites of archaeological interest within the project zone. No archeological remnants were found on the site.

In addition, Shams Power Company works with UAE universities and colleges:

  • As a resource for information on baseline environmental and social conditions in the UAE;
  • As a working example of CSP parabolic trough technology in the country;
  • As a source of assistance in the field of specialized impact evaluation and mitigation work.

As part of our contribution to the local community, we support educational institutions such as schools, institutes and colleges in the Western Region in an effort to raise awareness about the use of solar energy and its contribution to lowering the UAE’s overall carbon footprint.

Sustainability

Shams Power Company and the Sustainable Development Goals

We contribute to the global goals!

Shams Power Company is contributing to the achieving the United Nation’s SDGs.

Read More

Corporate Social Responsibility

Our CSR Mission

The Shams Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee was formed in 2016, with the aim of ensuring that we conduct business in a way that takes into account the Al Dhafra Region’s social, economic and environmental characteristics.

Working in partnership with local businesses, education facilities, charitable organizations and other local government entities, our CSR mandate upholds four pillars:

Scope

The scope of our CSR initiatives is primarily limited to the home of Shams Power Plant, Madinat Zayed.. However, some initiatives include the wider Al Dhafra Region where possible. Our CSR initiatives focus on student’s professional education, donations to the needy, providing business support in the region and other community outreach.

Education Projects: