Dubai starts work on Middle East's largest rooftop solar project

Construction of the largest solar rooftop project in the Middle East is underway after DP World commissioned the installation of 88,000 solar panels on its Dubai facilities in Jebel Ali Free Zone and Mina Rashid.

Upon the completion of phase one in 2017, 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, equivalent to taking 4,500 cars off the road. The solar panels will provide 40 percent 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 percent by 2030.

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).

Phases two and three will follow phase one which is planned to produce a total of 22 megawatts at peak, with



further solar installations due in JAFZA and Mina Rashid.

With 77 marine and inland terminals in over 40 countries, DP World said there is significant scope to implement the learnings from this project across its operations.

The Shams Dubai initiative allows customers to install PV panels on their rooftops to generate electricity from solar power, and connect the systems to DEWA’s grid. The electricity is used onsite and the surplus is exported to DEWA’s grid.

The announcement was made during a press conference led by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DP World.

“We are glad to announce the launch of the largest projects by our customers, as part of the Shams Dubai initiative, in cooperation with DP World. This will enhance our efforts towards achieving the Smart Dubai initiative to transform Dubai into the happiest and smartest city in the world,” said Al Tayer.

“This landmark initiative will have major environmental benefits, and we are pleased to contribute to Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 as well as the UAE vision 2021 for a sustainable environment,” added bin Sulayem.