Emicool and Total’s subsidiary open solar plant at DIP in Dubai

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Emirates District Cooling (Emicool), a leading district cooling service provider in the region and a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, and Total Solar Distributed Generation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total dedicated to the development of distributed solar energy solutions for commercial and industrial partners, inaugurated the solar plant at Emicool’s facility in Dubai Investment Park (DIP).

As part of the partnership, a grid connected, ground mounted photovoltaic system with 792 solar panels, offering peak power of 301kWp with annual energy production of nearly 500MWh of renewable electricity per year is now operational.

The inauguration of the grid connected PV system, installed at the Emicool plant in DIP 2, was attended by Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool, Marin de Montbel, Managing Director, Total Solar Distributed Generation Middle East and Omar Mesmar, General Manager, Dubai Investments Park along with other representatives.

Implemented in phases, phase I of the ground-mounted installation, ready for operations is configured to offer peak power of 301kWp with annual energy production of nearly 500 MWh per year. The installation of the photovoltaic system in the DIP 2 facility, providing district cooling services within the area, will help in harnessing solar energy, enabling abundant power and reducing carbon footprint.

In addition to mitigating peak load, the grid-connected PV system is designed to improve savings through better efficiency rates, net-metering, and lower equipment and installation costs. The net-metering billing mechanism avoids wastage of surplus electricity generated by transferring the excess electricity to the grid. This facilitates grid credits and enables savings, thus playing an important role in solar power incentivisation.

“Implementation of sustainability principles is one of the key business priorities for us at Emicool and with our new strategy ‘Growing Sustainability’ we have taken steps to consolidate our sustainability pillars to align and position Emicool as focused on engaging in sustainable business.

With sustainability at the core, our commitment is reflected through innovative initiatives, technology solutions and environmentally friendly practices. By going solar and partnering with Total Solar Distributed Generation, Emicool reiterates district cooling to act as a catalyst towards building a sustainable environment. Our proactive approach enabling cost control benefits through PV installations will enhance competitiveness, enabling enhanced services to customers, in parallel to strengthening our green commitment”, said Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool.

“Total is committed to promote renewable energies and especially innovative solar power solutions through Total Solar Distributed Generation. We are proud to start this collaboration with Emicool to share our solar knowledge and expertise. Emicool will benefit from the newly installed 301 kWp solar plant to partly cover their high electricity consumption needs. Through this ground-mounted solar plant which is already in operation, Total Solar Distributed Generation Middle East is actively contributing to the development of solar energy in the UAE”, said Marin de Montbel, Managing Director, Total Solar Distributed Generation Middle East.

“At Emicool, we are genuinely green, independent of any image we want to give and we are indulging in sustainable ways like going solar everywhere from our ground areas, roofs, facades, and storage tanks, covered with highly efficient solar panels, likewise our cars have also started going electrical. Being green and contributing for a better life on our beautiful planet starts with the right attitude. We have it. And it is immediately followed by action in that direction”, concluded Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool.

Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG) Middle East is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Total dedicated to the development of distributed solar energy solutions, including solar-powered rooftops, carport and ground-mounted solar power plants. Active since April 2018, Total Solar DG is one of the major international providers of fully integrated solar solutions for commercial and industrial customers in the region with a portfolio of over 70 MW of projects in development and operation.

Emirates District Cooling LLC (Emicool), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, is a leading district cooling service provider in the UAE. The company was established in 2003 with headquarters at Dubai Investments Park (DIP).

Emicool ensures continuously exceeding customer expectations by providing district cooling services through its competent work force which delivers world-class levels of reliability, efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability. Since its inception, the company has achieved considerable success and currently provides services to the Green Community at DIP, Dubai Motor City and Dubai Sports City, among others.