Dubai Airports to Install World’s Largest 60,000 MWh Solar Roof

Electrical Technology

Dubai Airports to Install World’s Largest Solar Roof, Generating 60,000 MWh of Power Annually

Dubai Airports has announced a groundbreaking project to install the world’s largest solar roof. This massive solar installation will generate 60,000 MWh of electricity annually. The project includes the installation of 62,904 solar panels across both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The solar panels strings are capable of producing up to 39 MW peak (MWP) of green power.

The project is a joint venture between Dubai Airports and the Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, a subsidiary of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). This initiative aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning toward a sustainable future powered by clean, renewable energy.

This step towards green energy is expected to reduce Dubai Airports’ carbon footprint by up to 23,000 tons of CO₂ annually. This is equivalent to removing 5,000 vehicles from the roads, powering 3,000 homes, or sequestering carbon through the growth of 77,000 trees.

The project of solar panels installation will meet 6.5% of DXB’s energy needs and 20% of DWC’s, contributing significantly to Dubai’s broader sustainability goals.

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Project Overview

Dubai Airports is partnering with major solar energy firms to execute this large-scale project. The panels, to be installed on the rooftops of DXB and DWC, are designed for maximum efficiency in Dubai’s sunny environment.

Key Details:

Project scale: World’s largest solar roof, featuring 62,904 solar panels
Annual power generation: 60,346 MWh
Carbon savings: 23,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year
Alignment with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy: Supporting Dubai’s goal to source 25% of its energy from clean sources by 2030, with a target of 100% by 2050
Expected completion: Fully operational by 2026

Alignment with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy

This project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Dubai aims to source 25% of its energy from clean sources by 2030, with a long-term goal of 100% by 2050.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and CEO of DEWA, has expressed confidence that Dubai could surpass these targets, potentially reaching 27% clean energy by 2030.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, stated, “We are committed to making Dubai Airports a global leader in sustainability and renewable energy. The installation of the world’s largest solar roof reflects our ambition to reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to the UAE’s clean energy goals.”

Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi of Etihad ESCO added, “This partnership with Dubai Airports will accelerate our efforts to achieve sustainability goals by reducing energy demand through green solutions across Dubai. We plan to expand solar projects like this throughout the emirate.”

Future Expansion Plans

Dubai International Airport is already one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 90 million passengers annually. This new solar roof project strengthens Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and positions the emirate as a hub for innovation in both aviation and renewable energy.

There are plans to expand the solar panel project to cover other airport structures, such as parking lots and hangars. Additional energy storage capabilities are also being considered to store excess solar power, enhancing grid flexibility.

This venture builds on previous solar energy successes at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D. Hence, it reinforces Dubai Airports’ dedication to reducing the aviation sector’s environmental impact.

Upon completion, the solar roof project will mark a significant step in Dubai’s journey towards a sustainable, energy-efficient future and set an example for other airports worldwide to follow.

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