Dubai Airports has announced a landmark partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company to build the world’s largest rooftop solar panel installation at an airport. Set to be completed in phases by 2026, this ambitious project will harness 39 megawatts peak (MWp) of clean energy through the installation of 62,904 solar panels at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports.

Spanning passenger terminals and concourses, the massive solar array is projected to generate 60,346 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually. This will significantly reduce the carbon footprint by offsetting approximately 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to removing 5,000 cars from the road or providing power for 3,000 homes for an entire year.

The solar power generated from this installation will supply 6.5% of Dubai International Airport’s (DXB) energy needs and 20% of Dubai World Central’s (DWC) requirements, highlighting Dubai Airports’ commitment to sustainable operations. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2050.

The announcement was made during the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), which was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, alongside Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Council and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlighted Dubai’s ambitious clean energy goals, stating, “While our roadmap targets 25% clean energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050, we are accelerating our efforts. We anticipate surpassing these goals, potentially reaching 27% clean energy capacity as early as 2030.”

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

Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, emphasized the commitment to sustainability, stating that this initiative will significantly expand Dubai’s solar footprint and enhance energy efficiency throughout the emirate.

These new installations build on previous solar deployments at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D, where solar power has already played a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and emissions.