South Energy signs agreement for its first solar project

In line with Dubai’s efforts to increase sourcing energy needs from renewable energy and meet the goals under Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, South Energy, the energy solution arm of Dubai South, has signed an agreement with HCT Technical Services LLC (HCT), a DEWA-approved solar contractor for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of a 2MWp photovoltaic system for five of Dubai South’s facilities. Set to power up the Dubai South headquarters and four freight complexes, this project is South Energy’s first lease solar rooftop initiative where it will finance at zero upfront cost for Dubai South, manage the EPC and operate the solar plant within the ideal lifespan of 20 years. 

The Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Ismail Al Marzooqi, CEO of South Energy and Unni Krishnan, CEO of HCT & HCC Group, in the presence of other top-level executives from Dubai South and Giridhar Dikshit, General Manager of HCT.

Ismail Al Marzooqi, CEO of South Energy said: “We are proud to have initiated this project as another major step forward in Dubai South’s efforts to build a sustainable urban community in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to meet 7 per cent of Dubai energy requirements from clean energy by 2020 and increase it to 25 per cent by 2030, and 75 per cent by 2050.”

This pioneering initiative paves the way for South Energy to provide a unique energy model through solar leasing which will enable businesses to embrace environmentally sustainable practices in their operations while enhancing their bottom line. It is an end-to-end solution that will enable South Energy’s partners to reduce their environmental impact while focusing on their core business strategies.

Al Marzooqi added: “As we move along, we are keen to increase these initiatives and encourage other entities to move towards tapping renewable energy for their power needs. We will continue to work towards these goals and thereby become a key player in achieving Dubai’s vision of a smart and sustainable city and a happier society.”

Sourcing power from clean and renewable energy contributes to the UAE’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint from conventional energy use and promote green economy. It will also be an important move that will contribute to the global efforts towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals on Affordable and Clean Energy.

The solar plant is set to generate more than 3,000Wh of clean energy annually and can cover from 40 per cent up to 100 per cent of the facilities’ electricity consumption, which when achieved can cut 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. South Energy is continuously working on boosting its solar activities in Dubai with another 3.5MWp project under tender and a promising more than 40MWp in the planning stage.

Commenting on the LOA, Giridhar Dikshit said: “Solar rooftop solutions are a convenient and cost-effective approach to generating energy from the sun, considering the abundance of this natural and renewable energy source, while also being sustainable. We commend Dubai South for taking bold steps towards energy sustainability and we are proud to be part of this major initiative to showcase our capabilities to execute the project for South Energy by providing all the necessary requirements to fulfill this project on time while maintaining efforts to exceed their expectations.”

HCT, the solar arm of Haji Commercial Company, is one of the leading solution providers to several prestigious projects in UAE and Bahrain, established in 1988 to provide a range of solar lighting and power solutions in the region, with over 130 technical and commercial staff. Apart from A to Z solutions for Solar System Designing; Installation and Commissioning, HCC offers a variety of products and services including LED lighting and retrofit solutions, high mast lighting for airports and seaports, sports lighting system, building automation system, and solar PV system for on-grid and off-grid needs, among others.