Construction of the largest distributed solar rooftop project in the Middle East is underway after DP World commissioned the installation of 88,000 rooftop solar panels on its Dubai facilities as part of its continued efforts to reduce its carbon emissions.
Once phase one is completed in 2017, DP World claims the project will provide enough clean power for 3,000 homes a year. It will result in 22,000 tonnes of carbon being saved annually, with the solar panels providing 40% of the total energy consumption of Jafza, one of the world’s largest free trade zones.
The DP World Solar Programme will contribute to energy diversification in the region as part of Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which seeks to reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030. It also supports the UAE vision 2021 for a sustainable environment, the national initiative for building a green economy launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The solar scheme is one of the largest initiatives to be implemented under the recently launched Shams Dubai programme by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA).
After phase one of the project is completed in 2017 (totalling 22 megawatts at peak), phases two and three will follow, with further solar installations due in Jafza and Mina Rashid. With 77 marine and inland terminals in over 40 countries, there is significant scope for DP World to implement the learnings from this project across its operations.
The expertise and knowledge from the solar project will be shared to help develop supply chain capabilities for both DP World’s own operations and those of its stakeholders. In addition, the company aims to raise awareness of renewable energy and energy efficiency amongst stakeholders through this project. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project has positive business implications for DP World and its subsidiary Jebel Ali Free Zone.
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Source: DP World