Dubai-based DP World, a leading global marine terminal operator plans to launch a major renewable energy project with the installation of photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity, allowing it to reduce its carbon footprint while exporting surplus energy to the national grid.

The project, launched in cooperation with Economic Zones World, a DP World subsidiary, involves rooftop solar panel mountings on its Jebel Ali free zone buildings and parking sheds, and several of its cruise terminal buildings in Port Rashid.

The announcement marks the start of the global “Go Green” campaign, a maritime industry initiative involving five of the world’s largest port operators - DP World, Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH), APM Terminals and PSA International and the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG who have come together to raise environmental awareness to make a sustainable difference in the communities in which they operate.

The launch of this major project, the largest distributed solar rooftop grid connected project in the region, follows the announcement by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) of Shams Dubai, a smart initiative to regulate the generation of solar energy in buildings and their connection to the grid and complements Dubai’s effort to diversity energy resources in line with Dubai vision 2021 and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 which aims to reduce energy demand by 30 per cent by 2030 and diversify the energy mix.

”This project supports the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into one of the world’s smartest cities through sustainable development,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World chairman.

“It is a major milestone in promoting the rational use of natural resources and creating innovative solutions that replace traditional energy sources. We are delighted to contribute to the efforts that support the Emirate’s economic growth and the drive to build a green economy.

“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 added.

A tender has already been issued for the project and vendor bids will be accepted until October 1 with a final contract expected to be signed by the end of the month.

The project will be implemented in phases, the first will cover 19 Buildings’ Rooftops in Jafza and their surrounding parking areas, six LIUs (Light Industrial Units) rooftops in Jafza and their surrounding parking areas, one warehouse and two Cruise Terminals Rooftops in Mina Rashid and their surrounding parking areas, in addition to ground-mounted panels for the main spine road in Jafza North.

This will contribute to a total generation of 30-40 MWP (Mega Watt Peak).

DP World also hopes to roll out the initiative across its global portfolio in the future, a company statement said. – TradeArabia News Service