L to R: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Waleed bin Salman, Yousuf Mohammad Ali, Abdul Nasser Akil Abbas, Waleed Alnuaimi, Devarajan Srinivasan.
In a significant step towards promoting energy efficiency and sustainability, Emirates, the official airline of the UAE, has teamed up with Etihad Clean Energy Development to introduce a large-scale solar energy project at the Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai.
The signing ceremony occurred at the World Green Economy Summit 2024 with the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; along with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
This project involves the development, engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the Emirates Engineering Centre, with 20 years of operation and maintenance services included.
A total of 39,960 solar panels will be installed, generating 37% of the facility’s annual energy consumption and reducing CO2 equivalent emissions by over 13,000 tonnes annually when fully operational. The total capacity will reach 23,177 kWp, with an estimated annual generation of 34,301,960 kWh.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stands in front of the first world functional 3D printed offices during the official opening in Dubai May 23, 2016.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum expressed: “This initiative demonstrates Emirates’ commitment and ongoing investment in renewable energy solutions as part of our sustainability strategy. By incorporating solar energy into the Emirates Engineering Centre, we are significantly reducing our carbon footprint while supporting the UAE’s clean energy objectives. We are delighted to collaborate with Etihad Clean Energy Development on this solar PV project, which marks another milestone in our sustainability journey and expands the number of solar installations at our facilities.”
Saeed Al Mohammed Tayer stated: “Etihad Clean Energy Development, a prominent provider of energy efficiency solutions in the region, will lead the project, showcasing its expertise in delivering high-performance energy systems. Through this partnership, Etihad Clean Energy Development and Emirates Airline will ensure the long-term operational efficiency of the solar PV systems while achieving substantial reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs. We are proud to engage with Emirates Airline on this groundbreaking project, which not only aligns with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future but also sets a precedent for renewable energy adoption in the aviation sector.”
With a 20-year agreement for operation and maintenance, the solar PV systems will bring lasting environmental benefits, ensuring the Emirates Engineering Centre continues to operate efficiently using clean energy. This project is part of the broader efforts of both companies to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda, which emphasizes reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and advancing towards a low-carbon future.
Other Emirates-owned and managed facilities in Dubai with solar panel installations include: the Emirates Flight Catering facility, and The Sevens Stadium, which features the region’s first and largest solar carport at a sporting facility.
