Etihad Rail has taken a bold step toward sustainable operations by initiating a solar-powered freight terminal at Ghuweifat. This project, developed in partnership with Emerge, marks a milestone in the UAE's commitment to green energy as part of the nation's broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By integrating solar power into its logistics network, Etihad Rail is redefining freight transport in the UAE with a focus on environmental stewardship.

The Ghuweifat terminal, located strategically near the Saudi border, will benefit from a 600-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic system paired with a 2.56 MWh battery storage facility. This combination is expected to meet approximately 85% of the terminal's energy requirements, dramatically reducing reliance on grid power. Over the term of the agreement, this solar infrastructure is projected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 8,500 tons, highlighting the substantial environmental impact of the initiative.

Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak emphasized that this development is a key component of the company’s mission to blend economic growth with environmental sustainability. The shift to solar energy will not only make operations more efficient but also reduce nighttime energy consumption, a crucial move in reducing the overall carbon footprint of UAE’s freight sector.

Emerge, a joint venture between Masdar and France's EDF Group, plays a pivotal role in delivering the solar system. Masdar’s CEO, Ahmed Al-Yafei, praised the partnership as part of the UAE’s long-term vision for clean energy, stating that it would set a precedent for similar projects in logistics and transportation sectors across the region. The deployment of solar-powered terminals aligns with the broader objectives of the UAE government, which has placed significant emphasis on renewable energy as part of its sustainability strategy.

The Ghuweifat terminal will serve as a hub for cross-border trade, and this move is expected to streamline transport between the UAE and Saudi Arabia while demonstrating how large-scale infrastructure can operate sustainably. This pioneering approach to logistics infrastructure is designed to cater to the growing demand for green supply chain solutions as businesses and governments push for greater sustainability in all sectors.

In addition to this, the use of battery storage will allow the terminal to function independently of external power sources during the night, ensuring uninterrupted operations. The initiative’s cutting-edge technology, provided by EDF Group, is a vital component of the project, enabling energy self-sufficiency during periods of low sunlight.

This development is part of a broader strategy to integrate sustainability into the UAE’s logistics and infrastructure sectors, with Etihad Rail positioned as a major player in this transformation. By focusing on renewable energy, the company is reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the efficiency and reliability needed to serve the region's growing transport demands.

The UAE’s push toward renewable energy and sustainability is not confined to this project alone. The nation has been making significant strides across various sectors, from energy production to construction and logistics, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in environmental initiatives. Etihad Rail’s partnership with Emerge reflects this broader national strategy, which seeks to ensure that economic growth remains compatible with environmental preservation.

This initiative is expected to inspire other regional transportation and infrastructure projects to consider similar green energy solutions. By showcasing the practical and economic benefits of solar power, Etihad Rail is setting a new benchmark for the logistics sector in the Middle East, paving the way for future projects that align with global sustainability goals.

Etihad Rail’s solar initiative has garnered attention both locally and internationally, as industry leaders recognize the significance of integrating renewable energy into large-scale infrastructure. The project's success is likely to bolster the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for sustainable innovation, positioning the country at the forefront of the global energy transition.