Port operating giant DP World has ordered blanket solar coverage of its offices and warehouses at facilities in Dubai, claiming it will be the largest rooftop installation in the Middle East.

The installation of 88,000 rooftop solar panels in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Mina Rashid Port will be enough to power 3,000 homes starting next year.

It will prevent 22,000 tonnes of carbon being pumped into the atmosphere each year, equivalent to taking 4,500 cars off the road, DP World said this week.

The panels will provide 40% of the total energy consumption of Jebel Ali Free Zone, one of the world’s largest special economic areas.

Contracted to install the panels is Green Energy Tomorrow, Phanes Group’s rooftop solar specialist.

DP World said it wants to help Dubai achieve its aim of cutting energy demand by 30% by 2030.

Dubai may be just the beginning. DP World said there was “significant scope” to “implement the learnings from this project” across its 77 marine and inland terminals around the world.

“We aim to ensure that everything we do has a long-lasting positive impact on economies and society,” said DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. “By raising awareness of renewable energy, we are helping work towards a carbon neutral future for the UAE.”

Source: www.globalconstructionreview.com