SirajPower has inked a long-term deal with Emirates Group to develop what’s billed as the region’s first solar carport for a sports facility.
The 2MWp solar carport will be custom-built for The Sevens Stadium, a facility owned by the Emirates Group.
As per the terms of the deal, SirajPower will undertake the complete scope of services for the project which includes the design, installation, financing, long-term operation and maintenance. The project consists of installing 4,500 solar modules over an area of 10,551sqm, producing 3.6GWh of clean energy annually. The firm said the solar facility will reduce over 1,496 metric tons of CO2 emissions every year.
According to a statement, The Sevens Stadium features eight floodlit sports fields, six cricket ovals, four netball courts, and 15,000 parking spaces. It is said to be the largest sports facility of its kind in the UAE, hosting 7,000-10,000 people each week during the winter season for community sports.
“The increasing adoption rate of solar technologies in the UAE market is remarkable. SirajPower has proudly been at the forefront of this successful development through its strategic and continuous long-term partnerships with key players across diverse industries, striving for more meaningful ways to lower their environmental impact while reducing on their energy costs. This is also effectively supporting DEWA’s clean energy target expected to account for 12% of Dubai’s overall production by the end of 2021,” explained Laurent Longuet, CEO at SirajPower.
He added, “The adoption of solar carports is trending in the market and SirajPower’s early strong belief in developing this solution has led us to become the leading operator in the region. We are seeing the fruition of our team’s dedication and effort to market these competitive solutions from the recently commissioned largest solar carport in Abu Dhabi with Masdar, to our latest partnership with The Sevens Stadium. We are delighted to see one of the UAE’s most prominent sports facilities anchoring sustainability in their operations and honoured to have Emirates Group in our list of prestigious clients.”
Some of SirajPower’s key solar carport projects in the UAE include Al Khail Heights, Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi, Kent College Dubai, Majid Al Futtaim’s Tilal Al Ghaf, RSA Cold Chain, RSA Logistics and most recently the DEWA HQ.
Thomas Burwell, general Manager and Tournament director at The Sevens Stadium remarked, “We have always been conscious of the importance of conserving energy and positively impacting our environment. The sustainable development and operation of such a world-class facility supports the UAE’s effort to promote a green economy and enhance green projects. As a Group, Emirates already incorporates sustainable practices in the business as it focuses efforts on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and preserving wildlife and habitats.”
He concluded, “The Sevens Stadium, as the leading sports facility in the region is looking at all of its practices onsite and at the tournament, as we drive to have a more positive impact on our environment. With upwards of 10,000 users of the facility per week including a large number of school children, using sport to educate the next generation on sustainability and impact on the planet is an opportunity we are pleased to take.”
