Dubai Airports announces major solar energy project

Dubai Airports has announced a collaboration with Etihad Energy Services Company (ESCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DEWA, to launch the world's largest rooftop solar panel installation project at an airport.

The agreement was signed by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports and Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, during the World Green Economy Summit at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The phased project, which will be fully operational by 2026, involves the installation of 62,904 solar panels across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, and is set to generate 60,346 MWh annually.

The panels, which will span passenger terminals and concourses across both airports, are expected to offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year.

The energy generated will meet 6.5 per cent of DXB’s power needs and 20 per cent of DWC’s, reinforcing Dubai Airports' long-term vision for cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operations.

The project builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D, where solar power is already playing a vital role in reducing energy consumption and lowering emissions.

Saeed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), said "(the) initiative aligns with the vision to establish Dubai as one of the most sustainable cities in the world. 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.

"We anticipate surpassing these goals, potentially reaching 27 per cent clean energy capacity as early as 2030, which would enable us to achieve our 2050 vision ahead of schedule. Undoubtedly, innovation and cutting-edge technologies are instrumental in expediting our progress towards a greener future."

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said, “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. Every kilowatt we generate from renewable sources brings us closer to shrinking our carbon footprint and future-proofing our operations. This is about setting the standard and leading the way for what a truly sustainable airport can achieve.”