UAE-based logistics and transportation firm Aramex has partnered with IMG Solar FZE, a subsidiary of Jordanian-based Izzat Marji Group, to implement a 3.2MW solar photovoltaic plant for its new logistics facility in Dubai.
The installation is the largest single-rooftop solar photovoltaic plant project in the MENA region and one of the largest solar photovoltaic plants connected to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) grid under its Shams Dubai solar energy initiative.
The solar plant uses state-of-the-art components from manufacturers including JA Solar, SMA Solar Technology, S:Flex and Meteo Control. It contains 9,000 solar panels, covering a total roof area of 38,000m² (409,000ft²). The energy yield for the system is around 5GWh per year, saving more than 3,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.
Raji Hattar, chief sustainability officer at Aramex, said, “We pride ourselves on being a leader in sustainability across the region, and are pleased with our partnership with IMG Solar FZE for the second time.
“This solar photovoltaic plant will provide 60% of the power needed to run our logistics facility in Dubai Logistics City for a year. We continuously look for new ways to ensure that we operate as efficiently and cleanly as possible to safeguard our environment for future generations.
“We have a commitment to reducing our expenditure on power, and increasing electricity consumption from renewable sources for our operations. We are currently planning phase two of this project, aimed at increasing the capacity to 7MW upon completion.”
Fadi Marji, general manager of IMG Solar FZE, said, “Our company has executed more than 250 Solar Photovoltaic Plant projects in the UAE, Jordan and Kuwait totaling more than 30MW. We are very proud of our strategic partnership with Aramex.”
In 2017, Aramex partnered with Izzat Marji Group and successfully inaugurated its single-rooftop solar photovoltaic plant in Amman, Jordan. The plant generates 1.2MW of power, providing sufficient renewable electricity to power the company’s operations in Amman. Aramex also announced the addition of electric vehicles to its fleet in Jordan.
“We remain committed to reducing CO₂ emissions from our operations by an additional 20% by 2020, over the initial target of 20% of CO₂ reduction we achieved in 2016,” concluded Hattar.
“Therefore, where regulations and infrastructure allow, we will be looking to introduce similar projects to all of the 73 markets in which we operate.”
