Nissan Middle East has announced plans to install a new solar energy system at the company’s regional headquarters in Jebal Ali, Dubai. In line with the brand’s global sustainability goals, the solar PV system is designed to supply clean energy that will account for approximately 30% of the company’s power requirements for its Jebel Ali operations.
With installation set to begin later this year, the solar PV system is expected to bring over 700,000 KWh of clean energy to the company’s operations at its Jebel Ali facility annually, the equivalent of offsetting 333 tons of CO2 emissions.
A MoU has been signed between Nissan Middle East and ENGIE Solutions GCC, a global leader in decentralised energy networks and associated services, which will see the latter design and install the new solar system, spanning a total area of 3,000 square meters.
The agreement was signed last month by Thierry Sabbagh, President of Nissan Saudi Arabia and INFINITI Middle East and Managing Director for Nissan Middle East, and Ian Harfield, Managing Director of ENGIE Solutions GCC.
Thierry Sabbagh, President, of Nissan Saudi Arabia, INFINITI Middle East and Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said, “This project marks a monumental moment for Nissan in the region, as we take a significant step towards a sustainable energy transition in line with the UAE’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future. It also strengthens the brand’s trusted partnership with ENGIE Solutions, following years of collaboration on energy decarbonisation projects across Europe. As we embark on this joint venture, we look forward to accelerating the momentum towards our environmental goals in line with Nissan’s global sustainability ambitions.”
The framework of the Power Purchase Agreement will see ENGIE Solutions GCC manage the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the solar energy system during the 15 years duration. Following the completion of the contract term, ownership and maintenance of the system will move to Nissan Middle East.
Ian Harfield, Managing Director of ENGIE Energy Solutions GCC, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Nissan Middle East on this landmark project. With our innovative deployment methods that eliminate the technical and financial barriers that held back much broader implementation, we are allowing more organizations to pursue energy decarbonisation projects. We will continue to work with Nissan across the region and globally on similar initiatives that will serve as a model for a decarbonized commercial sector.”
ENGIE Solutions GCC is set to undertake this project under the Shams Dubai smart initiative, launched by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to connect solar energy to buildings, as part of its Distributed Renewable Resources Generation program.
This MoU is part of an ongoing series of sustainability initiatives undertaken by Nissan Middle East, in line with the brand’s global efforts to manage the environmental impact caused by its operations and products. Nissan’s global ESG priorities include decreasing its carbon footprint through the whole value chain, with Nissan becoming the 1st Japanese automaker to join the Race to Zero global campaign backed by the United Nations Nissan’s commitment to sustainability is at the core of its business and serves as an enabler toward the delivery of its long-term vision Nissan Ambition 2030, in line with its focus for a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world.