Dubai Airports Partners with Etihad Energy for World’s Largest Airport Solar Installation
October 3, 2024
Dubai Airports has announced a major collaboration with DEWA’s wholly-owned subsidiary Etihad Clean Energy Development to launch the world’s largest rooftop solar panel installation at an airport.
The announcement was made in front of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airlines and Group, and Vice Chairman Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
To confirm this ambitious initiative, Dubai Airports and Etihad Energy Services formalized an agreement at the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) organized by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and the World Green Economy Organization. The agreement was signed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said, “This initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as one of the most sustainable cities in the world. While our roadmap outlines clear goals to achieve 25 percent energy mix from clean energy sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050, we are accelerating our efforts. We expect to exceed these targets, reaching 27 percent clean energy capacity by 2030 itself, helping us achieve our 2050 vision ahead of schedule. Innovation and cutting-edge technologies play an important role in accelerating our progress towards a greener future.
Fully operational by 2026, the 39MWp clean energy grid project includes the installation of 62,904 solar panels at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports. . This represents significant progress in decarbonising airport operations.
Solar panels spanning the passenger terminals and concourses at both airports are expected to offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year. The energy generated will meet 6.5 percent of DXB’s power needs and 20 percent of DWC’s, reinforcing Dubai Airports’ long-term vision for cleaner, smarter and sustainable operations.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, “Airports are significant energy consumers, but with that comes enormous opportunity and responsibility to make a real difference. For us it’s not just about installing solar panels; It’s about embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. Every kilowatt we generate from renewable sources shrinks our carbon footprint and brings our operations closer to future proofing. It is about setting the standard and leading the way towards achieving a truly sustainable airport.
Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, stated, “Our long-standing cooperation with Dubai Airports is a crucial aspect of our goal to accelerate Dubai’s sustainability agenda. By increasing our solar footprint and launching transformative initiatives like Shams Dubai, we are not only lowering energy demand but also pushing the adoption of sustainable energy solutions throughout the emirate. This initiative, and others like it, reflect our dedication to creating an integrated ecosystem that is consistent with Dubai’s aim for a greener, more energy-efficient future.
The project builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D, where solar power already plays a key role in reducing energy consumption and emissions. While ambition and innovation drive progress, the key to achieving sustainable change lies in collaboration, vision and balanced action. Dubai Airports is focused on ensuring that these values guide every effort to create a better tomorrow in line with the wider environmental objectives of Dubai and the UAE.