Dubai Airports has announced the installation of the Middle East’s largest airport solar energy system, set to save the airport AED 3.3 million (£715,000) per year.
The system was installed in collaboration with Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and will also cut annual carbon emissions by 3,243 metric tonnes.
“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,” said Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ESCO.
“Furthermore, this also marks an extension of an existing partnership between Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO, which goes back to October 2017 when we signed an agreement for the retrofitting of DXB’s Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to enhance energy efficiency and cut down water and electricity consumption by 20 per cent.”
The solar energy project is a part of Shams Dubai, a city-wide drive to promote renewable energy sources by DEWA, encouraging the fitting of solar panels to transfer surplus generation to Dubai’s energy grid.
“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% reduction in the city’s energy consumption by 2030,” said Michael Ibbitson, Executive Vice President, Infrastructure and Technology, Dubai Airports.
“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.”
