General Motors (GM) has announced the installation of a solar-powered roof at its Middle East Distribution Center (MEDC) in Dubai, UAE. This move is part of the company’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adopt renewable energy in its operations.
The solar project at MEDC has a total connected load of 461.45 kWp. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 512 metric tons annually. The project, which was announced in 2022, is now fully operational. The MEDC is one of GM’s most energy-intensive facilities. By switching to solar energy, the company aims to reduce the environmental impact of its operations in the region. This project supports GM’s global goal of carbon neutrality for its products and operations by 2040.
The company also stated that it plans to reduce operational energy intensity by 35% by 2035. Additionally, GM is working toward producing only zero tailpipe emissions vehicles for light-duty models by the same year. Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director of GM Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the importance of renewable energy in their operations. He stated that, “sustainability efforts align with local and global initiatives aimed at reducing emissions.”
Sajed Sbeih, Director of Customer Care and Aftersales at GM Africa and the Middle East, mentioned collaborations with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza). These collaborations support the UAE’s “Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”
GM’s MEDC has implemented other environmental initiatives as well. These include becoming a landfill-free facility, reusing 85% of vehicle materials, and recycling returned electric vehicle batteries. The facility also remanufactures thousands of vehicle assemblies each year. The GM Africa and Middle East operations have been in the region for nearly a century. The company’s headquarters for the region is located in Dubai, with additional operations in Egypt.
