Abu Dhabi’s largest solar-powered car park to open at international airport

Abu Dhabi Airports and Masdar have announced the completion of Abu Dhabi’s largest solar-powered car park, which will save 5,300 tonnes 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, with 7,542 solar panels producing electricity.

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.

“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.

“Throughout its development, we have integrated technology which enables sustainability, protects the environment, and creates a cleaner, greener, and more ecologically friendly building,” added Al Hashmi.
The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the percentage of clean energy in the country’s energy mix to 50 percent.

Masdar’s Energy Services department provided a full turnkey solution for the project, including financing, design, procurement and construction, reported news agency WAM. Under the terms of the lease agreement, 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.

In related news from the emirate, a 2GW Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic power plant is being developed in Abu Dhabi – set to be the world’s largest when operational – and will produce electricity at one of the most cost-competitive tariffs for solar PV energy, set at Dhs4.97 fils/kWh ($1.35 cents/kWh). Once fully operational, the plant will increase Abu Dhabi’s solar power capacity to approximately 3.2GW.

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