The Dubai-based ports operator DP World has begun construction on what it called the “largest distributed solar rooftop project in the Middle East”.

Work has begun installing 88,000 solar panels on DP World’s facilities in Dubai, which the operator says will produce enough clean power for 3,000 homes a year.

“DP World has appointed Green Energy Tomorrow, Phanes Group’s rooftop solar specialist, to deliver the solar panels on its warehouses, office buildings and car parks in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and Mina Rashid Port,” the company said in a statement.

“The scheme will have major environmental benefits and is part of DP World’s commitment to being a world leader in sustainability.”

The first phase of the project is expected to complete next year, and 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% of the total energy consumption of Jafza, one of the world’s largest free trade zones,” DP World said.

“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 solar scheme is one of the largest initiatives to be implemented under the recently launched Shams Dubai programme by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA).
DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem (right) and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of DEWA during the press conference announcing the Solar Rooftop Project.

DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “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. We aim to ensure that everything we do has a long-lasting positive impact on economies and society. By raising awareness of renewable energy, we are helping work towards a carbon neutral future for the UAE. This project demonstrates the scale of DP World’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainability and we look forward to sharing the learnings across our business and also with our stakeholders.”