Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC Masdar has partnered with Elite Agro Holding to develop the MENA region’s first agricultural photovoltaic project, integrating renewable energy generation with agricultural production.

The initiative was announced during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by Masdar. The project will be implemented at Elite Agro’s Al Foah Farm in Al Ain. It will serve as a scalable reference model for sustainable farming and renewable energy integration in arid environments.

AgriPV systems combine solar panels with agricultural infrastructure such as greenhouses, enabling the dual use of land for power generation and crop cultivation. In addition to improving land-use efficiency, these systems can reduce heat and water stress on crops, potentially enhancing yields while lowering irrigation requirements.

The project supports the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero 2050 objectives by expanding clean energy deployment, while contributing to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 through the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said the project demonstrates how clean energy and agriculture can be integrated to strengthen food and energy security, while reducing water use, improving crop performance, and generating renewable power.

Elite Agro Holding chief executive officer Maurizio Terazzi said the partnership reflects a shift in how agriculture can be practiced in arid and semi-arid regions, highlighting the link between food security and the energy transition. He added that the pilot project is designed to deliver measurable outcomes in water efficiency, crop productivity, land optimization, and energy resilience.