Produces 52 MW of Renewable Energy and 300 Million Potato Seeds
Abu Dhabi – Al Khaleej
Abu Dhabi National Building Materials Co. (BILDCO) has signed a cooperation agreement with Celtic Global to develop a joint sustainable project in the fields of energy and food technology, with total investments of AED 180 million. The project will be located in the Mushrif area of Abu Dhabi, reflecting the Emirate’s strategic direction toward advancing sustainability solutions across the food, water, and energy sectors.
This landmark initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge sustainable technologies, accelerating the transition to clean energy, and strengthening the food security ecosystem in line with relevant national strategies. Under the agreement, a sustainable community spanning one million square meters will be developed, featuring an integrated agrivoltaic facility that combines solar energy generation with advanced agricultural technologies.
Three Phases
The project includes the development and operation of solar power facilities with a total capacity of up to 52 MW, to be executed in three phases. It also encompasses the establishment of an advanced potato tissue culture laboratory with a targeted annual production capacity of 300 million potato seeds, designed to serve both local and international markets.
In addition, the project incorporates further agri-tech initiatives aimed at enhancing production efficiency and achieving long-term environmental sustainability. The first phase is scheduled for completion before the end of the current year.
Rashid Ali Rashid Al Omaira, Chairman of BILDCO, stated that the project represents a pioneering model in integrating renewable energy with smart agriculture. He emphasized its role in supporting the agricultural sector and food security in the UAE, while contributing to carbon emission reduction and reinforcing national sustainability objectives.
He further noted that this project marks the company’s first major initiative of the year, with additional projects and agreements expected to be announced in support of the national economy.
Advanced Technologies
For his part, Brian Bong Ho Cho, President and CEO of Celtic Global, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with BILDCO. He highlighted that the project will leverage advanced technologies capable of reducing the potato growth cycle to just 70 days, enabling up to four harvest cycles annually, compared to a single cycle in traditional farming—significantly enhancing productivity and supply chain stability.
In a related development, Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, held a meeting with BILDCO and Celtic Global. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration in food security and leveraging modern technologies to increase local production of strategic crops, including potatoes, wheat, strawberries, as well as shrimp aquaculture.