IN CONVERSATION

CEO, SirajPower LaurentLonguet

Key Highlights

Our focus is currently on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia market, where the door for renewable energy is opening and the demand is growing

It is exciting to note that the UAE will host the COP28 climate summit in 2023, which is a testament to the country's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy

SirajPower provides a unique range of SOLAR+DIESEL+BATTERY hybrid power solutions suitable for remote operations.

QWhat were the company's influential projects from 2022?

SirajPower, the leading provider of distributed solar energy in the region, has signed and commissioned several projects in 2022 These include installing solar systems for the King's School, Lulu Silicon, Dubai Autodrome, Emirates Sevens Stadium, Choithrams, Airlink, Al Ghurair Group, Nakheel, and several residential and commercial pavilions

Kings School boasts a 1 9 MWp solar rooftop system that has won the Best Solar Rooftop of the Year Award and Visual Solar of the Year at the MESIA Solar Awards 2023 In addition, lulu Silicon, with a capacity of 1 MWp, features 4 EV charging stations

Dubai Autodrome runs on solar energy with the help of the 2 8 MWp solar system installed by SirajPower The project includes rooftop and carport systems, providing shaded parking and EV charging stations while generating 4 75 GWh of renewable energy annually and reducing 2,055 metric tons of CO2 emissions yearly

SirajPower has also installed a 2.7 MWp solar plant at Choithrams' food production and distribution operations.

QWhich new markets is the company focusing on, given that it already has a sizable customer base in the Middle East region's countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a few others?

SirajPower has a proven track record of success in the Middle East region, having established a sizable customer base in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and others.

At SirajPower, we have always focused on expanding and gaining the trust of large businesses from all sectors This trust results from our commitment and capabilities, which we have demonstrated since our establishment in 2016 In the UAE, we have formed partnerships with big businesses from all sectors, including the King's School and the Emirates Sevens Stadium carport, which were commissioned last year and now operate on clean energy

Sirajpower manages many solar hybrid projects in the UAE, such as Cleanco, Aloft Hotel in Dubai, and Majid Al Futtaim Office

We are one of the few companies in the UAE that offer unique solutions which help off-grid customers to benefit from renewable energy.

As for our focus on new markets, it is common for companies in the renewable energy sector to expand into new geographic regions to tap into the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions Our focus is currently on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia market, where the door for renewable energy is opening and the demand is growing We have a new strategy to help us take advantage of this demand and continue growing our business while increasing our impact on the transition to renewable energy

QWhat do you think the solar industry's future holds?

The solar industry's future is exceptionally bright and holds great potential for growth and innovation With the increasing concern for environmental sustainability and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for renewable energy solutions is rapidly growing, particularly in the region

Governments and businesses are recognizing the benefits of adopting solar energy and investing in it, which is driving the industry's growth. Technological advancements in solar panels and storage solutions are also making it more cost-competitive and accessible to a broader range of consumers, further fueling its growth Additionally, the trend toward decentralization and grid independence contributes to the solar industry's growth As more people become interested in generating clean energy, the demand for residential and commercial solar systems will continue to grow

In light of these developments, it is exciting to note that the UAE will host the COP28 climate summit in 2023, which is a testament to the country's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. This event will bring together leaders worldwide to discuss the latest developments in the field and provide a platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions and technologies The solar industry's future is auspicious and will continue to grow as the demand for renewable energy increases We at SirajPower are excited to be a part of this growing industry and to play a role in shaping its future

QWhat are the results of the solar plus storage projects, and are there any storage projects that Siraj Power has worked on or has in the pipeline?

SirajPower is at the forefront of the growing market for solar hybrid projects, catering to industries such as construction sites, camps, islands, crushers, and military camps

SirajPower provides a unique range of SOLAR+DIESEL+BATTERY hybrid power solutions suitable for remote operations This solution enables off-the-grid consumers from different industries to enjoy cost-effective and reliable 24/7 power, reduce operation costs, and get them started on a more sustainable future

The hybrid solution is a Stand-Alone setup with a Solar PV plant + BESS (Battery energy storage system) + DG (Diesel Generator)

At SirajPower, we have commissioned and are currently operating several big solar hybrid projects such as Cleanco, with a system size of 2 MVA solar-diesel-battery, and Majid Al Futtaim, with a total capacity of 450 kVA solar + DG + battery Our solutions are designed to optimize energy consumption and reduce the reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Our technology combines the best of both worldssolar energy and battery storage - to ensure that our clients can access a constant, reliable power source, even during periods of low sunlight. The diesel generators will be utilized to fill the gap between the load and the electricity the PV system provides on a consistent basis With a focus on delivering quality, our solutions are designed to meet each customer's specific needs, ensuring that they get the most out of their investment.

An energy management system is included to optimize the system as the diesel gen-sets capacity is limited, and the solar energy production depends on sun irradiation.

QWhat are the chances of distributed solar and rooftop solar in the area?

The outlook for distributed solar and rooftop solar in the Middle East is very positive, with a growing demand for cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions With the increasing awareness of the importance of reducing carbon emissions and the rising energy demand, distributed and rooftop solar is becoming more and more attractive to both businesses in the region Additionally, with declining solar technology costs and supportive government policies, installing solar systems is becoming increasingly accessible and affordable. These factors, combined with the region's abundant sun resources, make it an ideal location for developing distributed and rooftop solar, and the market for these solutions is expected to continue to grow in the coming years

QWhat are the main industries Siraj Power is engaged in? Which industries are showing promise in the projects the business is working on?

The UAE's declaration of 2023 as the "Year of Sustainability" reaffirms its dedication to addressing challenges and promoting sustainable practices at both the individual and community levels in order to achieve the goal of "Net Zero by 2050," which outlines the nation's commitment to promoting environmental protection and its efforts to build thriving communities that are ideal for living and working. These initiatives demonstrate that Siraj Power's solar energy has a significant opportunity for expansion and success in the commercial and industrial sectors Siraj Power has been actively working on projects in a variety of sectors, including commercial and industrial businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions