The retail business segment of Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) plans to increase capacity by 40 per cent between 2016 and 2020 across its network of service stations in the UAE, said a top official.

The growth plans include ongoing renovation of two major service stations in Dubai Internet City and Oud Metha and the construction of 54 more stations in Dubai. The expansion will meet Enoc’s long-term strategic objectives which are aligned with the Dubai Plan 2021 of creating a ‘Smart & Sustainable City’ for ‘Happy, Creative & Empowered People’.

Burhan Al Hashemi, managing director, Enoc Retail, said: “We are looking at an increased growth over the next few years as Enoc expands and aims to be an international integrated oil & gas player.

“Our service station expansion programme is part of our growth strategy and we hope to alleviate some of the issues for our valued customers as we innovate to implement new technologies to promote sustainability, enhance customer experience and ensure the highest standards of health and safety.”

The renovated service stations will ensure safety, easier entry and reduced queuing at pumps. In addition to more dispensers, these stations will also have fully-fledged automotive services and retail stores, including ZOOM and Autopro.
 
The stations will feature new energy saving technologies, such as the use of a photo voltage (PV) solar panels system which will be installed onto the main canopy of the service stations to generate power with the Dewa grid system.

The Dubai Media City service station, which is currently being renovated, is expected to start operating in June 2016. This will be the first of the planned projects underway to showcase this sustainable technology. The new 120Kw PV system will utilise solar energy to power the daytime electrical requirements at the station, thereby making it much more efficient and environmentally friendly for the overall community.

In terms of new builds, Enoc currently has seven stations under construction in Al Barsha South 1st and 4th, Al Ruwaiyah, Warsan 3rd, Al Sofouh, Discovery Gardens, and Oud Metha. Additional locations planned for 2016 and 2017 include eight stations across Jumeirah Village, Dubai Investment Park 1st, Al Marmum, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai Industrial City 3rd, Al Lusaily, Dubai Al Ain road and Hatta.

Enoc Retail is currently operating a network of over 112 service stations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Regionally; Enoc currently has three service stations in Saudi Arabia with plans to build 11 more in 2016.

“Technology and sustainability are core elements of Enoc’s infrastructure development as is seen through initiatives like ViP (Vehicle Identification Pass) which allows corporate customers with huge fleet of vehicles to save time and money through cashless transactions; the electric charging pods at our stations; and our green service station, to name a few,” explained Al Hashemi.

The company launched the first 'green service station' in the Middle East in Dubai in January 2011. The 7,432 sq m full service site provides a range of unique eco-friendly features.

The state-of-the-art facilities include a vapour recovery system, which generates savings by converting gaseous emissions to liquid and effectively eliminates the release of petrol fumes and its associated odour. It also uses recycled water, which has reduced water consumption by a quarter.   

Al Hashemi added: “The positive reaction to the ‘green service station’ encouraged us to study additional ways to implement its successful elements into our new service stations.”

In 2015, over 85 million people visited Enoc/Eppco service stations across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Enoc / Eppco stations are designed as a one-stop shop providing more than fuel services to enhance customers’ experience. The stations feature ZOOM convenience stores, Pronto Cafes, Paavos Pizza, car wash and oil change facilities, Autopro automotive services and Tasjeel for vehicle testing and registration. – TradeArabia News Service