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. This system will feature 62,904 solar panels, producing 60,346 MWh of clean energy annually.
Dubai Airport Partner with Etihad for Largest Rooftop Solar Project
Dubai Airport revealed a partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company to create the largest rooftop solar panel project at an airport worldwide. This new solar initiative will contribute 39MWp of clean energy to the airport's power grids.
Set to be fully operational by 2026, the project will install 62,904 solar panels at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and its sister airport, Dubai World Central Al Maktoum (DWC). Together, these panels are expected to produce a minimum of 60,346 MWh annually.
Dubai Airport rooftop solar (Image: Collected)
“Airports are significant energy consumers, but with that comes tremendous opportunity and responsibility to drive real change. For us, this is not just about installing solar panels; it’s about embedding sustainability into the core of everything we do.” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.
Dubai Airports' Solar Project to Offset 23,000 Tons of CO2
Covering the roofs of terminals and concourses at both airports, the project is expected to offset 23,000 tons of CO2 which is comparable to powering at least 3,000 homes annually or removing 5,000 cars from the roads. Overall, the energy produced 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 Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Airports.
As airports like Dubai International operate 24/7, they are major energy consumers. During the announcement, Griffiths recognized the opportunity to incorporate more sustainability initiatives into operations. Generating kilowatts from renewable energy sources will help the airport reduce its carbon footprint.
Dubai Airports Enhances Sustainability with New Solar Installations
The energy produced will fulfill 6.5% of DXB's power requirements and 20% of DWC's—supporting Dubai Airports' long-term goal of achieving cleaner, smarter and more sustainable operations. The new solar panel installation will enhance the current solar project on the roofs of Terminal 2 and Concourse D at DXB, forming part of the airport company's broader goals to enhance environmental sustainability.
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 involves initiatives such as retrofitting lighting, utilizing biodiesel-powered ground vehicles and implementing optimized 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.