Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart rooftops to become first Nakheel Malls solarized assets by Q4 2021

Nakheel Malls, the retail arm of master developer Nakheel, has joined forces with Total, through its affiliate Total Solar Distributed Generation (DG) Middle East, dedicated to the development of distributed solar energy solutions, to solarize the rooftops of Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

The solar solution, provided by Total, will allow Nakheel Malls’ to reduce its carbon footprint contributing to its sustainable development efforts in the UAE. The PV panels can generate around 9 GWh of clean energy with an estimated reduction of over 3,500 tons of CO2 yearly. Around 12,000 PV panels will be installed at both malls, spanning around 35,000 sqm.

The partnership agreement was signed in the presence of Omar Khoory, Chief Hospitality and Assets Officer, Nakheel, as well as Marin de Montbel, Managing Director, Total Solar DG Middle East and Mathieu Lauga, Key Account Manager, Total Solar DG Middle East.

Omar Khoory, Chief Hospitality and Assets Officer, Nakheel, said: “Given a growing global climate focus, it’s critical that governments work with the public and private sector on implementing clean energy solutions within urban planning. As part of our ongoing alignment with the leadership of Dubai, Nakheel Malls are committed to supporting efforts of the city’s clean energy strategy 2050. We are doing this through our partnership with Total by installing PV Solar panels at Dragon Mart and Ibn Battuta Mall with the aim to support a circular economy.”

Marin de Montbel, Managing Director, Total Solar DG Middle East, said: “Our mission is to enable our customers to meet their sustainability goals by reducing their carbon footprint through our photovoltaic rooftop systems and carports. Our solar rooftop project in partnership with Nakheel Malls is part of our commitment to address climate challenge by providing more energy with less emissions. It is fully in line with both our long-term growth strategy and our ambition to become a world leader in renewables.”

The project is set to commence in January while the shopping malls will remain fully operational throughout, with little to no disruption to customers.