Dubai Airports is paving the way to a sustainable future with its groundbreaking new project as it joins hands with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company to make the world’s largest rooftop solar panel system operational at an airport. The daring venture will accelerate environmental stewardship and minimize carbon emissions at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports.
Project Overview
The installation of 62,904 solar panels on rooftops of passenger terminals and concourses at both DXB and DWC is included in the project. Once up and running at full capacity by 2026, the combined 39 megawatts peak (MWp) of clean energy produced by the panels would amount to roughly 60,346 megawatt-hours (MWh) every year. This renewable power will provide a share of 6.5% of the power needs of DXB and 20% of DWC. It will be a huge decline in the consumption of non-renewable power sources.
Environmental Impact
The project is set to have a significant environmental impact by saving around 23,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This amount is equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road or powering 3,000 homes per year. These actions fit into Dubai’s overall vision for 100% clean energy in 2050 and highlight the dedication to sustainable development.
Strategic Collaboration
The flagship project was initated at the World Green Economy Summit with stakeholders including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Council and CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) being present. The initiative reflects an agreement for cooperation towards clean energy solutions for the aviation industry.
Wider Sustainability Efforts
Aside from the rooftop solar installation, Dubai Airports has been aggressively pursuing other environmentally friendly initiatives. These include using energy-efficient lighting systems, operating ground vehicles that run on biodiesel, and maximizing cooling system efficiency. These efforts combined translate to a drastic reduction in the carbon footprint of the airports as well as encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility within the aviation sector.
Dubai Airports’ initiative to build the world’s largest rooftop solar installation at an airport is a vision for sustainable aviation. Dubai is taking leadership in making airport operations involve major renewable energy sources, thus providing an example of green vision in the world’s aviation industry.