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It has 7,542 solar panels producing electricity
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The facility is expected to reduce the emission equivalent of 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide per year
Abu Dhabi’s largest solar-powered car park is complete, announced renewable energy firm Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, aka Masdar, and Abu Dhabi Airports.
With 7,542 solar panels producing electricity, the car park is expected to reduce the emission equivalent of 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The 3-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project is installed on the car shading at the short-term car park of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The energy generated by the grid-connected project will be used to power the car parking facility, with excess energy fed to other sections of the airport.
Abu Dhabi Airports Chief Executive Officer Shareef Al Hashmi was quoted by local reports as saying: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Masdar’s energy services department reportedly provided a full turnkey solution for the project, including financing, design, procurement and construction. Under the terms of the lease agreement, Masdar is also expected to provide operation and maintenance services for a 25-year period.
The local reports quoted Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi as saying, “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.”
The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the percentage of clean energy in the country’s energy mix to 50 percent.