World's largest rooftop solar system

Dubai Airports will install photovoltaic panels on the roofs of Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports, providing electricity to 3,000 households.

Dubai has taken a major step towards renewable energy with a groundbreaking airport initiative. Dubai Airports recently announced a partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, a subsidiary of DEWA, ​​to begin the world's largest rooftop solar PV installation at an airport. By harnessing solar energy, Dubai Airports aims to significantly reduce its carbon emissions, contributing to a greener aviation industry, Interesting Engineering reported on October 5.

Dubai will install nearly 63,000 photovoltaic panels at two airports. (Photo: Interesting Engineering)

This major clean energy project, which will be fully operational by 2026, will include the installation of 62,904 solar panels at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). The project will generate an annual electricity output of 60,346 MWh. The solar panels will help reduce CO2 emissions by 23,000 tonnes _per year, equivalent to the emissions from 5,000 cars, and the electricity generated can power 3,000 households per year. Solar energy will provide 6.5% and 20% of DXB and DWC's electricity needs respectively, supporting Dubai Airports' cleaner, smarter and more sustainable operations.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the Dubai Supreme Energy Council and managing director of DEWA, ​​stressed that while the roadmap targets 25% of total electricity from clean sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050, efforts are accelerating. He hopes to reach 27% of clean energy capacity by 2030. According to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, airports consume a large amount of electricity, posing both an opportunity and a responsibility for real change.

Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, stressed that the long-term partnership with Dubai Airports is vital to advancing Dubai's sustainability agenda. The successful installation of photovoltaics in DXB's Terminal 2 and Concourse D has helped reduce energy consumption and emissions.