GEMS Education Signs Major Solar Power Deal in UAE

GEMS Education has joined forces with decarbonisation leader Positive Zero in what stands as the most significant renewable energy deal within the UAE’s education sector. This groundbreaking agreement encompasses the design, engineering, installation, and maintenance of solar rooftops, carports, and bus parking areas across 23 GEMS schools in Dubai.

Massive Solar Energy Output to Power Thousands of Homes

The solar infrastructure, once fully installed, will collectively generate nearly 12.7 MWp of power, producing 21.25 GWh of electricity annually. This clean energy output is sufficient to power approximately 2,000 homes for an entire year, marking a major step towards sustainable energy solutions in the UAE.

Significant Carbon Footprint Reduction

This initiative is expected to curb 14,276 metric tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which is comparable to removing 3,300 cars from the roads. Over the duration of the project, the environmental impact would mirror the benefits of planting nearly 6 million trees, reinforcing the commitment to a greener future.

Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education, said: “GEMS Education is proud to lead the way in terms of sustainability within the UAE’s education sector. This landmark agreement with Positive Zero not only underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also aligns with our vision of integrating renewable energy at scale. By harnessing solar power, we are contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy while also instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in our students, the leaders of tomorrow. We have long emphasised the importance of teaching climate literacy in our schools – and today, through this agreement, we take pride in continuing to put our words into action.”

Supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy

The project is a direct contribution to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, accelerating the nation’s transition towards carbon neutrality. Positive Zero will facilitate financing through long-term leasing, ensuring that GEMS Education can implement the initiative without any upfront investment.

David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero, said: “At the core of our partnership with GEMS Education is a shared commitment to sustainability. GEMS Education is taking tangible steps in this direction with the decarbonisation of its operations through our solutions, in addition to integrating climate literacy across people development, curricula, and student initiatives. This bold and impressive commitment positions GEMS Education as a true leader in sustainability within the UAE’s education sector, and we are proud to be empowering their energy transition.”

Ovais Chhotani, Chief Financial Officer of GEMS Education, said: “This milestone is just the beginning of our broader sustainability journey focused on reducing our environmental impact and promoting a greener future for all. It builds on our ongoing initiatives as we continue pushing boundaries to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact. It stands as a testament to our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Sustainability-Driven Educational Approach

GEMS Education has embedded sustainability into its core values, ensuring that climate literacy is an integral part of its curriculum. The organisation is committed to having a United Nations-accredited Climate Change Teacher in every classroom, alongside various student-led and educator-driven sustainability programs.

A Multi-Faceted Sustainability Commitment

Beyond solar energy adoption, GEMS Education actively promotes eco-friendly practices, including student-led COP-style events, debates, energy efficiency programs, waste management, and water conservation initiatives. This holistic approach ensures sustainability efforts extend from the corporate level to classrooms and the wider community.

Yohaan Cama, Senior Manager – ESG at GEMS Education, said: “As the largest school-based solar initiative in the region, this landmark project establishes a new benchmark for sustainability in education. It reflects GEMS Education’s unwavering commitment to sustainability in line with our ESG vision while supporting the UAE’s Net Zero and Energy Strategy 2050, reinforcing the nation’s transition towards clean energy and net-zero goals.”

Expanding on Previous Renewable Energy Initiatives

This latest agreement further strengthens GEMS’ partnership with Positive Zero and its distributed generation business, SirajPower. Previously, SirajPower provided an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contract for a solar project at the net-zero-energy GEMS Founders School in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

Laurent Longuet, Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero’s Distributed Generation arm (SirajPower), said: “Renewable energy will power the industries of the future. We must commend GEMS Education on committing to a more sustainable agenda for their schools and paving the way for the next generation of students and teachers to witness first-hand how distributed solar power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative will not only instill a sense of responsibility but also a sense of pride in everyone who studies or works in a school that cares about them and the environment.”

Project Timeline and Completion

With the agreement now in place, the 23 selected schools in Dubai will move towards the commissioning and completion of their renewable energy systems, with the project slated for completion by early 2026. This initiative marks a substantial step in integrating renewable energy within the UAE’s educational institutions.