Dubai Airports to Install Rooftop Solar with 62,904 Panels 

Dubai Airports is preparing to install the world’s largest rooftop solar panel system across both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, where 62,904 solar panels are expected to produce 60,346 MWh of clean energy annually.

Dubai Airports Partners with Etihad for Largest Rooftop Solar Project

Dubai Airports has partnered with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company to develop the largest rooftop solar panel project of its kind at any airport worldwide. This new airport solar power initiative will contribute 39MWp of clean energy to the airport’s power grids.

Slated to be fully operational by 2026, the project involves installing 62,904 solar panels at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and its sister airport, Dubai World Central Al Maktoum (DWC). These panels are collectively expected to generate at least 60,346 MWh of clean energy each year.

“Airports are significant energy consumers, but with that comes tremendous opportunity and responsibility to drive real change,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “For us, this is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about embedding sustainability into the core of everything we do.”

Dubai Airports’ Solar Project to Offset 23,000 Tons of CO2

Spanning the roofs of terminals and concourses at both airports, the project is expected to offset 23,000 tons of CO2—an amount comparable to powering at least 3,000 homes annually or taking 5,000 cars off the road.

The energy generated will account for 6.5% of the power required at Dubai International Airport and 20% of the energy consumed at Dubai World Central.

“You have to take baby steps in some of these things. What we wanted to do was prove this on a small scale before we took it on a large scale. We’re now taking it very large scale to 60 megawatts which will save 23,000 annual tonnes of CO2,” said Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports.

Operating 24/7, airports like Dubai International are major energy consumers. During the announcement, Griffiths acknowledged this as an opportunity to incorporate more sustainability initiatives into operations. Generating power from renewable sources is a critical step in helping the DXB airport reduce its carbon footprint.

Dubai Airports Enhances Sustainability with New Solar Installations

The energy generated will fulfill 6.5% of DXB’s power requirements and 20% of DWC’s, directly supporting Dubai Airports’ long-term goal of cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operations. This new installation builds on the existing project on the roofs of Terminal 2 and Concourse D at DXB, advancing the airport’s broader environmental sustainability goals.

Dubai Airports is actively working with the oneDXB community—which brings together airlines, service providers, and regulatory authorities—to assess the airport’s carbon footprint. This collaboration includes initiatives like retrofitting lighting, using biodiesel-powered ground vehicles, and optimizing cooling systems.

“While our roadmap outlines clear targets of achieving 25 per cent of the energy mix from clean energy sources by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2050, we are proactively accelerating our efforts,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Managing Director and CEO of DEWA.