Golf club to install panels across its Dubai 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 the energy performance agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company 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 facilities at Emirates and Dubai Creek clubs as well as the roof of the Dubai Golf Residence, where the majority of our colleagues are accommodated,” said Christopher May, chief executive of Dubai Golf.

The panels will deliver up to 680 kilowatts of peak power, which will help reduce electricity costs.

Etihad Energy will also help to 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 would help to cut carbon emissions by 3,700 tonnes a year, as well as Dubai Golf’s overall energy use by 27 per cent.

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

Solar installations have increased over the past few years around the world.

New Jersey’s Hidden Creek Golf Club added solar arrays

This agreement is Etihad Esco’s first energy performance contract in the leisure and hospitality industry ALI AL JASSIM Chief executive, Etihad Esco

in 2010 to help cut its annual power bill of US$130,000 (Dh477,000).

The club was able to reduce its electricity costs by 77 per cent at its maintenance facility and 28 per cent at a hydropower pump station, according to the US Golf Association.