Solar panels to hit Dubai golf courses

Dubai Golf will install solar panels across its facilities after signing a Dh31.6 million deal to implement energy conservation measures, the company said.

The company signed a Dh31.6 million energy performance agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company (Esco) on a “guaranteed energy saving basis” for the next eight years.

"Solar panels will be installed on the roof of our golf cart storage facility at Emirates Golf Club, our golf course maintenance facility at both Emirates and Dubai Creek clubs as well as the roof of the Dubai Golf Residence where the majority of our colleagues are accommodated," Christopher May, chief executive of Dubai Golf, told The National. The panels will deliver up to 680 kilowatts of peak power which will help reduce electricity costs.

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Etihad Esco will also help reduce energy consumption at the facilities by making the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems more efficient and less energy intensive along with other light retrofit works. The energy company said that the project will help cut carbon emissions by 3,700 tonnes per year as well as Dubai Golf’s overall energy consumption by 27 per cent.

“By signing the latest agreement, we are marking another milestone as this is Etihad Esco’s first energy performance contract (EPC) in leisure and hospitality industry,” said Ali Al Jassim, Etihad Esco chief executive.

Solar installations have increased over the past few years around the world. New Jersey’s Hidden Creek Golf Club added solar arrays in 2010 to help slash its annual power bill of US$130,000 (Dh477,000). The club was able to reduce its electricity fees by 77 per cent and their maintenance facility and 28 per cent at a hydropower pump station, according to the US Golf Association.