Schneider Electric’s solar-powered Smart Regional Distribution Centre in the UAE has been named the winner of the annual Gulf Sustainability Awards 2022 in the category of “Best Use of Renewable Energy.”
“We are honored to receive this award,” commented Lovina Pereira, Head of Schneider Electric’s UAE-based Smart Regional Distribution Center. “The implementation of renewable energy across our Smart Distribution Center was no easy feat and took planning, troubleshooting and execution by our dedicated teams. To see this recognized by the judging panel is really the encouragement we need to move forward in making our Smart Regional Distribution Centre even more energy-efficient, greener and sustainable.”
Pereira added, “Schneider Electric is especially thankful to Awards International UAE for giving us this unique opportunity to showcase the amazing sustainability journey of our Smart Regional Distribution Centre.”
Schneider Electric’s Smart Regional Distribution Center in Jebel Ali is well on its way to becoming one of the country’s most sustainable distribution hubs. This is due to the implementation of key ‘Circular Economy initiatives such as being designated as a ‘Zero-plastic’ site, electric-powered forklifts, and, most importantly, its advanced solar rooftop solution, which covers up to 90% of the site’s energy needs. The center also includes a Customer Experience Zone where customers and partners can see live demonstrations of Schneider Electric’s cutting-edge IoT-enabled EcoStruxure solutions.
The solar roof-top grid, which is operated by Warehousing Service Provider Airlink International UAE, is expected to generate 2,088 MWh in the first year thanks to the 2,000 solar panels installed on the site’s rooftop and offset nearly 1,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The solution includes 16 Schneider Electric solar inverters that convert the photovoltaic solar panels’ variable direct current output into alternating current that can be used by the Smart Regional Distribution Centre’s grid.
Another feature of Schneider Electric’s Smart Regional Distribution Center that contributes to its energy efficiency and sustainability is its use of the company’s award-winning EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert solution, which is designed to help power-critical and energy-intensive facilities maximize uptime and operational efficiency while also saving energy.
The bid to switch to renewable energy at the Smart Regional Distribution Center is part of Schneider Electric’s sustainability commitments, which include a goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from Schneider Electric’s suppliers’ operations by 50%. The energy generated by the solar panels is enough to power over 200 homes.
Schneider Electric has been recognized at the Gulf Sustainability Awards for the second year in a row. Schneider Electric won two major awards last year: ‘Best Sustainability Team of the Year’ and ‘Best Reaction to the Crisis.’
