Seven DHL locations go green, offsetting 5,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in a move towards 80% renewable energy use at major company locations

DHL Global Forwarding, a leader in air, ocean, and road freight services, along with TotalEnergies, have completed the solarisation of seven key logistics sites in Dubai. The initiative is part of DHL’s strategic plan to achieve net zero emissions in logistics by 2050.

The 7 MWp solar project is designed to substantially reduce carbon emissions, offsetting approximately 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) annually.

This reduction is comparable to the environmental benefit of planting around 119,000 trees each year.

Solar project enhances environmental efficiency

The solar installations are strategically positioned across DHL facilities in JAFZA 1 – 4, DAFZA 39 – 43, DWC AFR, and DWC CGF.

These sites will collectively generate over 11,000 MWh of energy annually, addressing 80% of the energy requirements for the seven buildings involved.

The solar rooftops, covering a total area of 27,000 sqm, feature over 12,000 photovoltaic modules.

Further enhancing the sustainability of these sites, TotalEnergies has installed solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

This aligns with DHL’s goal to electrify 60% of its fleet by 2030, underlining its commitment to sustainable logistics solutions.

Advancements in eco-friendly infrastructure

Amadou Diallo Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East and Africa, highlighted the company’s commitment to a zero-emissions future.

He stated, “We are proud to have achieved 100% solarisation of these sites, in alignment with the UAE’s sustainability goals, which focus on increasing access to sustainable energy and enhancing resource efficiency.”

Hamady Sy, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Middle East and Africa, emphasised their role in supporting DHL’s sustainability objectives.

He said, “We are thrilled to support DHL in this transformative journey towards low carbon logistics in the region.”

In addition to the solar projects, DHL has launched several other green initiatives in the UAE, including a 23,500-sqm EV Hub in Dubai South dedicated to battery lifecycle management and the enhancement of the digital customer portal, myDHLi, which allows customers to choose more sustainable shipping options and track their emissions reductions.

Ryan Harmon