UAE's first solar-powered gas station opens

The country's first solar-powered gas station has been opened by the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), in yet a new sign reflecting the country's increased focus on maintaining the highest standards of sustainability and clean energy.

The service station lies on the city's main Sheikh Zayed Road thoroughfare and is covered with solar panels that can generate up to 120 kilowatt hours, about 30 percent more energy than the station needs, which means the excess power is directed back into the city's electric grid.

The trademark eco-friendly station goes in line with the great strides made by the Emirate of Dubai to turn itself into a hub for renewable energy as part of the Dubai 2020 Vision premised to render the emirate one of the world's smartest and most sustainable cities.

A ceremony marking the inauguration was held in presence of Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, ENOC Vice Chairman, and Dubai Electricity & Water Authority's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

"ENOC has always been a major enabler in the UAE energy sector and made significant contributions to the Emirate's development drive, " said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, ENOC Group CEO, in his inaugural remarks.

The new development fits within the pioneering initiatives launched by ENOC nationwide over the past period in alignment with the government plans to make the emirate the smartest and the most sustainable in the world, he added.

The services station is planned to reduce CO2 emissions by 195 million metric tonnes annually, and will wield a number of energy consumption reduction techniques.

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