The UAE and South Korea Launch Joint Energy and Food Technology Project

 A scene from the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement

The UAE and South Korea Launch Joint Energy and Food Technology Project

The Abu Dhabi National Building Materials Company (Baldco), a public joint-stock company, signed a cooperation agreement with the South Korean company Celtic to implement a sustainable energy and food technology joint project at a cost of AED 180 million in the Mushairif area of ​​Abu Dhabi.

The launch of this project comes as part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to provide sustainable solutions in the fields of food, water, and energy through the use of the latest advanced sustainable technologies.

The agreement aims to develop a sustainable community on an area of ​​1 million square meters through an integrated photovoltaic agricultural energy facility, supporting the transition to renewable energy and enhancing food security within the UAE.

The new project includes the development and operation of 52 megawatts of solar power generation facilities, to be implemented in three phases, and the establishment of a potato tissue culture laboratory with a targeted annual production capacity of 300 million potato seed potatoes for local and international distribution, in addition to implementing further agricultural technology initiatives.

The first phase of this project will be prepared and equipped before the end of this year.

Rashid Ali Al-Amira, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beldco, stated that the project will support the agricultural sector and contribute to food security in the UAE, in addition to generating energy from renewable sources. This aligns with the company's efforts towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, in accordance with the UAE's national goals.

Al-Amira added, "This sustainable project is the first of the company's projects this year, and we expect to announce more projects and agreements that will enhance the company's position and its contribution to further growth in the national economy."

For his part, Pren Bong-ho Cho, President and CEO of Celtic Korea, said, "We are proud to collaborate with Beldco in the UAE to launch this joint sustainable project, which will generate 52 megawatts of sustainable solar power, in addition to producing up to 300 million potato seeds annually."

Ho-Shu added, "Celtec's technology significantly reduces the growing cycle to just 70 days, allowing for up to four harvests per year. This is a remarkable improvement compared to traditional farming methods, which typically produce only one harvest per year. The ability to double production cycles on the same land area not only boosts overall productivity but also improves supply chain stability by reducing reliance on seasonal weather patterns."

He continued, "The G0 potato seeds produced using the Celtec system also boast superior genetic quality and high resistance to common potato diseases. This leads to increased yields and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides in subsequent generations. This technological advantage contributes to more sustainable farming practices, a reduced environmental impact, and improved profitability for commercial farmers."