Dubai Airports Announces Major Solar Energy Project

Dubai Airports announced a significant collaboration with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company to launch the world's largest rooftop solar panel installation project at an airport. The collaboration involves the installation of 62,904 solar panels across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports.

The phased project of total 39MWp of clean energy, which will be fully operational by 2026, aims to generate 60,346MWh annually. The initiative marks a significant stride toward decarbonising airport operations. The solar panels are expected to offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This figure is equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year. It is worth mentioning that the energy generated will meet 6.5% of DXB’s power needs and 20% of DWC’s. 

The agreement was signed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO. Notably, the latest project builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D. "For us, this is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about embedding sustainability into the core of everything we do. Every kilowatt we generate from renewable sources brings us closer to shrinking our carbon footprint and future-proofing our operations," said Paul Griffiths in the statement.