DUBAI: DP World, one of the country’s biggest free zone operators, is leading the solar energy charge with plans that could generate up to 40 megawatts of electricity.
Once completed in 2016, the port operator’s scheme is set to be the largest solar rooftop project in the emirate that is providing energy back into Dubai’s electricity grid.
The ports company said it will set up the solar panels on 19 rooftops in Jebel Ali free zone buildings, parking sheds and the surrounding parking areas.
One warehouse and two cruise terminal rooftops in Mina Rashid will also be outfitted.
It is estimated that the between 30MW and 40MW will be generated, about one third of the power used by the ports facility or enough to power 30,000 homes for a year.
The power is also about one tenth of that generated by the largest solar plant in the world, the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in California’s Mohave Desert.
“It is a milestone in promoting the rational use of natural resources and creating innovative solutions that replace traditional energy sources,” said DP World chairman, Sultan bin Sulayem.
“We are delighted to contribute to the efforts that support the emirate’s economic growth and the drive to build a green economy.”
In May, the Dubai Electricity and Water Company (Dewa) launched Shams Dubai, an initiative to regulate the generation of solar energy in buildings and their connection to the grid.
Under the scheme, businesses and homeowners will be able to install their own solar panels and then reintegrate the energy generated back into the grid to reduce their costs.
Mr bin Sulayem said: “To secure a healthy sustainable society for future generations, it is necessary to take stock of our energy consumption today. Diversifying our energy mix with renewable resources such as solar power makes a lot of sense in our region where we can harness it all year round.”
He said a tender has already been issued for DP World’s project and bids will be accepted in October, with a final contract expected to be signed by the end of the month.
The project should be live before the second quarter of 2016.
Bertrand Piccard is the co-pilot of Solar Impulse 2, the aircraft that is attempting to complete the first solar-powered round-the-world flight.
He believed projects like this were putting the UAE at the forefront of the solar power industry.
“When you look at the kind of work that is coming out of the UAE and the Arab world, it is impressive,” Dr Piccard said.
“When you look at the UAE you can see that there is real work being done, real initiatives and this is despite them producing oil. It is the way for the future and it is exciting.”
Saeed Al Tayer, chief executive of Dewa, said the DP World project would help his organisation to achieve “its vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility”.
He said the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park aims to generate 2,600MW from renewable energy by 2030.
The announcement marks the start of Go Green, a maritime industry drive involving five of the world’s largest port operators.