Alec Energy, Alec Engineering and Contracting’s renewable energy unit, has won a contract from Emaar Development to develop a 6.5MWp private solar facility for the Dubai Hills Mall project. As per a statement from the contractor, the solar project will enable Emaar Development to offset 4.62 million kg of carbon dioxide every year, the equivalent of 1,673 passenger vehicles driven for a year.
The plant will be located next to the junction of Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Road and will comprise 24,000 solar panels. The solar facility is expected to produce 10.05 million kw/h units of electrical energy in a year.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Emaar Development on this exciting solar project. Solar Energy is a smart choice and has many financial and environmental benefits especially in large malls, which are large consumers of power. This decision also assists the UAE in meeting its 2030 renewable energy targets,” said James Stewart, general manager, Alec Energy.
As per the terms of the contract, Alec Energy will be responsible for the system design, sourcing local approvals and construction of the facility. The plant will be built and commissioned in line with the construction programme of the mall and is expected to be ready to operate in time for the mall opening.
Dubai Hills Mall is a retail destination and a key part of the Dubai Hills Estate development. It will feature approximately 186,000 sqm of leasable space spread out over the ground and first floor levels, and will boast more than 700 retail and F&B outlets, family entertainment, cinema and a supermarket.