Aramex launches single-rooftop solar photovoltaic plant in Dubai

International delivery and logistics services company Aramex has partnered with IMG Solar, a daughter company of Jordanian-based Izzat Marji Group, and inaugurated a 3.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant for its new logistics facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This is the largest single-rooftop solar photovoltaic plant project in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and one of the largest solar photovoltaic plants connected to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s grid under its “Shams Dubai” initiative”, according to the company.

Located at Aramex’s logistics facility in Dubai Logistics City, the plant uses "state-of-the-art" components from several manufacturers, such as JA Solar, SMA Solar Technology, S:Flex and Meteo Control. The plant contains 9,000 solar panels, covered over a total roof area of 38,000 sqm. The energy yield for the system is around five gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, contributing to over 3,000 tons of avoided CO₂ emissions per year.  Aramex added that the design was based on optimising the available area while still implementing a modular design, to ease the installation and maintenance of the solar plant.

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 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 a Phase Two of this project, aimed at increasing the capacity to seven megawatt upon completion."

Fadi Marji, general manager of IMG Solar, said: “Our company has executed more than 250 solar photovoltaic plant projects in United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Kuwait totalling at more than 30 megawatt, including the offering of high quality systems for Aramex, which was lined up to with its renowned high standards. We are really proud of our strategic partnership with Aramex.”

IMG Solar FZE was the lead contractor for this project, where it was fully responsible for the design, supply of material, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the solar photovoltaic plant.

In 2017, Aramex partnered with Izzat Marji Group for its single-rooftop solar photovoltaic plant in Amman, Jordan. The plant generates 1.2 megawatt 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. Therefore, where regulations and infrastructure allow, we will be looking to introduce similar projects to all of the 73 markets in which we operate,” concluded Hattar.

By Muneerah Bee