Solar energy to power GAC Dubai's warehouses

GAC Dubai is installing over 15,000 high-efficiency solar panels to generate electricity for two of its contract logistics facilities.

It has appointed Total Solar Middle East, a 100% owned Total subsidiary dedicated to solar activities, to fit the SunPower® P19-series solar panels. Approximately 3.42 megawatts of solar capacity will be fitted at GAC Logistics Park in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, covering 73% of its total electricity needs, while 2.65 megawatts of solar capacity at Dubai South will provide 93% of the electricity needs of GAC’s newest contract logistics facility there.

The company will also be looking into installing solar panels at its other warehouses in Jebel Ali.

Total Solar Middle East’s Managing Director Marin de Montbel says: “It was very important for us to be a part of this renewable project. GAC’s commitment to align with Dubai 2030 vision of having 25% of Dubai’s power generation sourced from renewable energy is at the core of Total Solar’s strategy. These two combined projects of 6 MW will have an environmental impact of 112,800,000 kgs of CO2 emissions avoided which marks the beginning of our green journey with GAC.”

The project is linked to Shams Dubai, the first smart initiative by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to connect solar energy to buildings. Households and businesses are encouraged to install photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, and connect them to the DEWA grid, with electricity generated used on-site and any surplus exported to the network.

“We are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact in line with the UAE’s Vision 2021 National Agenda to create and maintain a sustainable environment and infrastructure,” says Neil McMaster, General Manager – Contract Logistics of GAC Dubai. “This project demonstrates our commitment to solar energy as a vital part of our sustainability initiatives in partnership with Total Solar.”