The Emirates Group has unveiled the region’s first and largest solar carport, comprising of 4,500 solar panels over an area of 10,550 sqm, to generate 3.6 GWh of clean energy, at the sporting facility, The Sevens Stadium.
The solar carport at the stadium, which is owned and managed by the Emirates Group, will allow for more planet-friendly Community sports, world-class tournaments, and international teams.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman, stated that the solar carport provides shaded car parking for over 550 vehicles, including 4 charging lots for electric cars.
It will also generate sufficient clean energy to power all of the Stadium’s operations throughout the year, except in the week of the Emirates Dubai 7s where supplementary power will be required for the city’s biggest sporting and lifestyle event.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum CEO & Group Chairman Emirates
“The Emirates Group already utilizes solar-powered clean energy in our operations, including buildings at our Engineering Centre and Emirates Flight Catering. This new solar carport at the Sevens Stadium is our latest commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, in line with Dubai’s vision to transform into a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. The Sevens Stadium has established itself at the heart of community sports in Dubai, and as a best-in-class choice for international events and teams looking for world-class facilities in the region. We’ll continue to develop The Sevens to meet the needs and expectations of the sporting communities, and contribute to Dubai’s vibrant sports scene.”
The new solar carport is designed to reduce the Sevens Stadium’s carbon emissions by 1,496 metric tons annually and generate sufficient electricity to power floodlighting for its 8 grass fields, 6 ovals (grass and sand), and 4 multi-purpose courts, 1,042 lamps on all fields, pitches and courts, 256 streetlamps, 57 water and irrigation pumps across the facility and 2 units of 300-ton chillers.
The Sevens Stadium’s other environmental initiatives include modern watering systems that utilize non-potable water, waste reduction which saw 52 percent of waste generated at the 2021 Emirates Dubai 7s diverted from landfills through recycling, and the use of biodiesel to power events.
Nearly 30,000 liters of biodiesel were utilized to power the World Rugby Broadcast, registration and referee tents, changing rooms, HSBC lounges and ATMs in the village, and the lighting and x-ray machines at the main entrance during the 2021 Emirates Dubai Sevens.
