Masdar–Elite Agro Partnership Launches MENA’s First AgriPV Initiative

Masdar has partnered with Elite Agro Holding to develop the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first agricultural photovoltaic (AgriPV) project, marking a significant step in integrating renewable energy with sustainable agriculture.

The pilot project was announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and will be implemented at Elite Agro’s Al Foah Farm in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. It is designed to act as a scalable reference model for combining clean energy generation with agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions.

The AgriPV system integrates solar photovoltaic panels with greenhouse farming, enabling simultaneous crop cultivation and renewable power generation on the same land. In addition to optimizing land use, the shading provided by solar panels is expected to reduce heat and water stress on crops, potentially improving yields while lowering irrigation requirements—an important benefit for regions facing water scarcity and high energy demand.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero 2050 targets by expanding clean energy deployment, while also supporting the National Food Security Strategy 2051 through the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies that enhance local food production.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said the project demonstrates how renewable energy and agriculture can be mutually reinforcing. He noted that integrating advanced solar technologies with local farming can help reduce water consumption, enhance crop productivity, and strengthen both food and energy security, while supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability ambitions.

Maurizio Terazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Elite Agro Holding, said the partnership highlights how food security and the energy transition are interconnected objectives. He added that the project showcases a practical approach to sustainable farming in arid climates by combining agricultural output with clean energy generation.

The AgriPV pilot at Al Foah Farm is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including improved water efficiency, enhanced crop performance, optimized land use, and increased energy resilience. The project has been specifically tailored to UAE climatic conditions and will generate technical, economic, and agricultural data to inform future large-scale AgriPV deployments across the region.

Elite Agro Holding, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, operates across the GCC, Serbia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Ethiopia, providing end-to-end agrifood solutions spanning sustainable farming, agri-technology, food processing, distribution, and trade. The company said the project reinforces its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and supporting the UAE’s long-term food security and net-zero goals.