In a deal signed with Enova, four malls belonging to Majid Al Futtaim, will be powered through solar panels by 2018, the company said through a Press communiqué. The malls include the Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre and Deira City Centre. The deal adds to the existing three malls being solar powered by Enova.

Speaking on the development, Anne Le Guennec, CEO of Enova, said: “With our energy management solutions, we help firms achieve their best performance and environmental targets, based on a comprehensive package of services, including design, commissioning, strategy and long-term maintenance.”

Sharing the details of the project, she said: “Under this deal, about 12,500 panels will be installed across the buildings, covering an area of 25,000 square metres, including 1,020 carports.”

Le Guennec added that the solar panels would also be powering up the HVAC systems of the malls.

Explaining the dynamics of the solar-powered HVAC systems, Amin El Najjar, Director – Operations at Enova, said: “The solar PV plant generates electrical power in compliance with the utility grid and according to the following specifications: Three phase AC 230 to 400V 50Hz, which is exactly the same as what DEWA supplies to any consumer. This is how we will be powering all the HVAC systems and other electrical equipment, with the exception of medium-voltage centrifugal chillers.

“The power to be supplied from the PV plants to all HVAC equipment is an open system, interconnected with the DEWA grid.”

Le Guennec said that she expects a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 3,200 tonnes per year.