DXB installs the Middle East’s largest airport solar energy system

Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services Company have announced the successful installation of a solar energy system comprising 15,000 photovoltaic panels at Dubai International’s Terminal 2 – the largest at any airport in the Middle East.

The solar project will generate 7,483,500kWh energy annually for Dubai Airports, resulting in savings worth AED 3.3 million.

The project is expected to reduce existing Terminal 2 load by approximately 29 per cent, while lessening the airport’s annual CO₂ emissions by 3,243 metric tonnes, equivalent to 53,617 tree seedlings grown for 10 years or 688 passenger vehicles driven for one year.

Michael Ibbitson, Executive Vice President, Infrastructure and Business Technology, Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airports has undertaken a variety of green initiatives over the past several years to limit our carbon footprint and support Dubai’s goal for a 30 per cent reduction in the city’s energy consumption by 2030. These include the use of energy-efficient fittings, the optimisation of cooling systems, the installation of energy efficient LED bulbs and many others. In addition to enabling us to limit our carbon footprint while cutting costs, these initiatives also support our long-term vision for a carbon-neutral future in line with the aviation industry’s target. We look forward to working on more energy-efficiency initiatives with Etihad ESCO in the future.”

The project is part of Shams Dubai, DEWA’s first smart initiative that aims to promote the use of clean renewable energy sources. Etihad ESCO will provide maintenance services for Dubai Airports for a period of seven years from completion.

Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ESCO, said: “Our partnership with Dubai Airports for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels gives us an opportunity to play a role in Dubai Airports’ vision for energy efficiency and development.

“The Shams Dubai initiative supports the vision of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai one of the smartest cities in the world.”