Abu Dhabi Airports and Masdar completed the development of the emirate’s largest solar-powered car park at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the two companies said on Tuesday.
The new facility, which has a total capacity of 3 megawatts, was installed on vehicle shading at the car park at the airport’s new Midfield Terminal.
“Net-zero development has been a central ethos in the design and construction of the Midfield Terminal,” Shareef Al Hashmi, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports, said.
“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.”
The energy generated by the grid-connected project will be used to power the car parking facility, with excess energy fed to other parts of the airport.
The project was financed and constructed by Masdar, according to the statement. The company 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,” Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive of Masdar, said.
The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the percentage of clean energy in the country’s energy mix to 50 per cent.
Abu Dhabi Airports, created in 2006 to develop Abu Dhabi’s aviation infrastructure, currently manages and operates five airports in the emirate. It is also building the Midfield Terminal, the new hub for UAE flag-carrier Etihad Airways at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with a capacity to handle 45 million passengers annually.
Abu Dhabi Airports is wholly-owned by state holding company ADQ, while Masdar is owned by Mubadala Investment Company.
