Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has partnered with IMG Solar, a subsidiary of Jordan-based Izzat Marji Group, and successfully inaugurated a 3.2 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant for its new logistics facility in Dubai, UAE.

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’s (Dewa) grid under its “Shams Dubai” initiative, said a statement from the company.

Located at Aramex’s Logistics Facility in Dubai Logistics City, the 3.2 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant uses state-of-the-art components from the most reputable manufacturers, such as JA Solar, SMA Solar Technology AG, S:Flex GmbH and Meteo Control, it said.

The plant contains 9,000 solar panels, covered over a total roof area of 38,000 sq m. The energy yield for the system is around 5 GWh per year, contributing to over 3,000 tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions per year. Additionally, 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, it added.

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,” Hattar said.

“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 2 of this project, aimed at increasing the capacity to 7 megawatt upon completion,” Hattar added.

Fadi Marji, general manager of IMG Solar, said: “Our company has executed more than 250 Solar Photovoltaic Plant projects in UAE, 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.”

IMG Solar 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 3.2 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant, said a statement.

The installation of the plant was carried out by Scan Electromechanical Cont. Co. according to Aramex’s stringent HSE regulations and policies and under the supervision and management of IMG Solar.

The supervision of the entire progress of all project stages was diligently performed by Clenergize DWC, the consulting company who is specialised in solar photovoltaic plants.

The commissioning of the solar photovoltaic plant took place seamlessly and successfully through the distinguished support of Dewa.

In 2017, Aramex partnered with Izzat Marji Group and successfully inaugurated 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, it stated.

“We remain committed to reducing CO2 emissions from our operations by an additional 20 per cent by 2020, over the initial target of 20 per cent 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. – TradeArabia News Service