The largest solar-powered car park in Abu Dhabi is finally operational, the Abu Dhabi Airports has announced.
Located at the short-term car park of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the project will save 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Abu Dhabi Airports, renewable energy company Masdar, installed 7,542 solar panels capable of producing three megawatt (MW) of clean energy for the car park and other parts of the airport.
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The project is in line with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050.
The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to boost the percentage of clean energy in the country’s energy mix to 50 per cent.
Shareef Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “The Midfield Terminal is designed to not only deliver a state-of-the-art smooth and seamless passenger experience but also safeguard the UAE’s beautiful natural heritage. Throughout its development, we have integrated technology which enables sustainability, protects the environment, and creates a cleaner, greener, and more ecologically friendly building.”
“Net-zero development has been a central ethos in the design and construction of the Midfield Terminal. By making smart and sustainable choices during its development in our use of double glazing, efficient lighting, and environmental controls, we have achieved considerable reductions across the building’s wider energy use.” added Al Hashmi.
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Masdar’s Energy Services department provided a full turnkey solution for the solar photovoltaic (PV) project, including financing, design, procurement and construction.
Masdar will also provide operation and maintenance services for a 25-year period.
“The delivery of this landmark project for the new Midfield Terminal highlights the commitment of Masdar and Abu Dhabi Airports to supporting the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 and its climate change mitigation goals, as well as demonstrating Masdar’s strength as a preferred partner in renewable energy project collaborations,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar. (RA)
