Dubai Airports to install world’s largest solar roof to generate 60,000 MWh power

Dubai has taken a significant step towards renewable energy with a groundbreaking initiative at its airports.

Recently, Dubai Airports announced a partnership with Etihad Clean Energy Development Company, a subsidiary of DEWA, to begin the world’s largest rooftop solar panel installation project at an airport.

By harnessing solar power, Dubai Airports aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a greener aviation industry.

More than 62,000 solar panels as part of clean energy project

A major clean energy initiative, set to be fully operational by 2026, it will involve the installation of 62,904 solar panels across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports. This 39MWp phased project will generate 60,346MWh annually.

According to state news agency WAM, the solar panels will offset 23,000 tonnes of CO2 each year, which is equivalent to removing 5,000 cars from the road or powering 3,000 homes for a year.

Solar energy will supply 6.5% of DXB’s and 20% of DWC’s power needs, supporting Dubai Airports’ commitment to cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable operations.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, emphasized that while the roadmap sets a target of achieving 25% of the energy mix from clean sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050, efforts are being accelerated. He expects clean energy capacity to potentially reach 27% by 2030.

Renewable energy key to reducing carbon footprint

According to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, airports are significant energy consumers, presenting both opportunities and responsibilities 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,” Griffiths said .

Dr. Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad ESCO, noted that the longstanding partnership with Dubai Airports is crucial to accelerating Dubai’s sustainability agenda. Established in 2013, Etihad ESCO is a DEWA venture aimed at making Dubai’s built environment a leading example of energy efficiency in the region.

By expanding the solar footprint and implementing transformative initiatives like Shams Dubai, they are reducing energy demand and promoting the adoption of sustainable energy solutions across the emirate.

“This project, and others like it, demonstrates our commitment to building an integrated ecosystem that aligns with Dubai’s vision for a greener, more energy-efficient future,” Alnuaimi said.

Furthermore, the initiative also builds on the successful installation of solar panels at DXB’s Terminal 2 and Concourse D, where solar energy helps reduce energy consumption and emissions.