Harnessing solar power in Dubai
DP World is launching a major renewable energy project to install photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity, allowing it to reduce its carbon footprint while exporting surplus energy to the national grid.
The project, launched in cooperation with Economic Zones World, a DP World subsidiary, involves rooftop solar panel mountings on its Jebel Ali free zone buildings and parking sheds, and several of its cruise terminal buildings in Port Rashid.
DP World Chairman HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: “This project supports the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into one of the world’s smartest cities through sustainable development.”
He added that to secure a healthy sustainable society for future generations, it is necessary to take stock of energy consumption today.
“Diversifying our energy mix with renewable resources such as solar power makes a lot of sense in our region where we can harness it all year round,” he said.
The launch of this major project, the largest distributed solar rooftop grid connected project in the region, complements Dubai’s effort to diversity energy resources in line with Dubai vision 2021 and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 which aims to reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030 and diversify the energy mix.
It also marks the start of the global “Go Green” campaign which involves five of the world’s largest port operators coming together to raise environmental awareness in the community.
A tender has already been issued for the project and vendor bids will be accepted until 1 October with a final contract expected to be signed by the end of October 2015.
The project will be implemented in phases beginning with 19 Buildings’ Rooftops in Jafza and their surrounding parking areas, six Light Industrial Units (LIUs) rooftops in Jafza and their surrounding parking areas.
It will also include one warehouse and two cruise terminals rooftops in Mina Rashid and their surrounding parking areas, in addition to ground-mounted panels for the main spine road in Jafza North. This will contribute to a total generation of 30-40 MWP.
DP World also hopes to roll out the initiative across its global portfolio in the future.
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