Abu Dhabi Airports and Masdar have announced the completion of what’s billed as Abu Dhabi’s largest solar-powered car park. The three-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.
According to a statement, the project comprises 7,542 solar panels and 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. It is expected to save 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
“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,” said Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.
Masdar’s Energy Services department is said to have provided a full turnkey solution for the project including financing, design, procurement and construction. Under the terms of the lease agreement, Masdar will also provide operation and maintenance services for a 25-year period, the statement said.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar commented, “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. We look forward to leveraging our local and international experience to enable our partners to advance their clean energy goals through similar projects.”
The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the percentage of clean energy in the country’s energy mix to 50%, the statement noted.
