UAE’s Brands For Less Group (BFL) to develop 958KW solar power project

UAE-based off-price retailer Brands For Less (BFL) Group has signed a partnership agreement with Emirates Electrical Engineering (EEE) to launch a 958KW solar project in the country.

As part of the agreement, EEE – the Al Rostamani Group division specialising in executing turnkey projects in power transmission and distribution (PT&D) – will handle the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of a large-scale solar energy system for BFL.

In total, 2,040 high-efficiency solar panels will be mounted on the rooftops of two of the group’s properties, including its original warehouses in Jebel Ali Free Zone and its Techno warehouse and facility, both spanning a 10,000 sqm surface.

EEE will be responsible of the initial on-site inspection to determine, assess, and account for all mechanical and electrical requirements before carrying out the installation of the photovoltaic panels in compliance with the health and safety standards of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and DRRG connection guidelines.

The agreement marks the first large-scale green project by BFL Group – which retails in fashion, homeware and toys – as part of its commitment to sustainability, community welfare, and a healthier environment.

Ayman Beydoun, COO of BFL Group said: “Through this 958KW solar project, our warehouses will have access to over 2,000 kWh/sqm in global irradiation and over 800 kWh/sqm in diffuse irradiation per year. We are expecting to generate around 1,600,000 kWh of solar energy yearly, which reduces our carbon footprint by 700 metric tonnes.”

The energy savings resulting from the project are expected to be ‘substantial’.

By rolling out the new solar power system, BFL Group says it will avoid the yearly greenhouse gas emissions of 151 passenger vehicles; 78,767 gallons of gasoline consumption; 771,304 of coil burned; 80 homes’ energy consumption; 119 homes’ electricity consumption; 1,621 barrels of oil consumption; and 89,272,555 of smartphones charged.

This is also equivalent to 29,785 trash bags and 238 tonnes of waste recycled instead of landfilled.

The company is also planning to apply the same model to more of its properties in the near future.

Yasser Beydoun, managing partner of BFL Group said: “We are thrilled to be taking our first large-scale step towards a greener, more sustainable business model by starting to rely on renewable energy.

“EEE is the electrical systems arm of the Al Rostamani Group, one of the largest and oldest business conglomerates in the UAE, and we have entrusted them with this project knowing their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in solar power systems and their mission to harness the sun to build a greener future.”

The UAE has seen several large scale solar projects in recent years as it moves towards clear energy solutions.

In December, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and its partners confirmed the financial closing of the Al Dhafra solar PV project, which will be the world’s largest single-site solar power plant when complete. It will use approximately four million solar panels to generate electricity for approximately 160,000 homes across the UAE.

Earlier this month, the UAE also became the world’s first country to produce aluminium using solar power. As part of a new agreement, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will supply Emirates Global Aluminium’s smelter with solar power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, located in Dubai.

“The entire world is taking sustainable steps towards a greener tomorrow,” said Toufic Kreidieh, CEO of BFL Group.

“Over the last two decades, the UAE has been at the forefront of sustainability through iconic projects and initiatives, and we are proud to belong to such an innovative nation that fosters progress in respect of the environment. At BFL Group, our mission is to deliver smiles across the communities we work in, and we believe that being environmentally-responsible helps us deliver on our promise by ensuring our community’s welfare on the mid and long term.”