Dubai Airports will install photovoltaic panels on the rooftops of Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, providing electricity for 3,000 households.
Dubai is making significant strides towards renewable energy production with a groundbreaking initiative at its airports. Recently, Dubai Airports announced a partnership with Etihad Energy Services, a subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), to commence the largest rooftop solar panel installation project in the world at the airport. By harnessing solar energy, Dubai Airports aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a greener aviation industry, as reported by Interesting Engineering on October 5.
Dubai will install nearly 63,000 solar panels at 2 airports. (Photo: Interesting Engineering)
This important clean energy project is set to become fully operational by 2026, incorporating the installation of 62,904 solar panels at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). The annual electricity output of the project is expected to reach 60,346 MWh. The solar panels will help reduce 23,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions from 5,000 cars, and the generated electricity can supply power for 3,000 households annually. Solar energy is projected to meet 6.5% and 20% of the electricity demand for DXB and DWC, respectively, supporting a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operation for Dubai Airports.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, emphasized that while the roadmap aims to achieve 25% of total electricity from clean energy sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050, efforts are being accelerated. He anticipates that clean energy capacity will reach 27% by 2030. According to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, airports consume a large amount of electricity, presenting both an opportunity and a responsibility for real change.
Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, stressed that the long-term collaboration with Dubai Airports is crucial in advancing Dubai’s sustainability agenda. The successful installation of photovoltaic panels at Terminal 2 and Concourse D of DXB has contributed to reducing electricity consumption and emissions.
