GEMS Education Signs UAE’s Largest School Solar Power Agreement

In an unprecedented move for the UAE's education sector, GEMS Education has entered into a significant partnership with Positive Zero to embrace renewable energy on a grand scale. This pioneering agreement encompasses the creation and upkeep of solar-powered systems, including rooftops, carports, and bus parking, across 23 of its schools located in Dubai.

The schools involved in Dubai are set to advance towards commissioning and completion, with the project expected to be fully operational by early 2026. This initiative reflects a collective effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions across GEMS' schools and operations, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

The collaboration will see the installation of solar systems with a combined capacity of approximately 12.7 MWp. These systems are expected to generate 21.25 GWh of electricity every year. This amount of electricity can supply power to around 2,000 homes for an entire year. By transitioning to solar power, GEMS Education is contributing significantly to the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, reflecting its dedication to promoting sustainable energy usage.

GEMS Education's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its integration of climate literacy into its curriculum. It aims to have a United Nations-accredited Climate Change Teacher in every classroom, highlighting its dedication to educating the next generation about the importance of environmental stewardship.

This deal also aligns with the UAE's broader environmental goals, as articulated in the Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Positive Zero will facilitate this transition by offering financing options through long-term leasing, eliminating the need for GEMS Education to make an initial investment. "At the core of our partnership with GEMS Education is a shared commitment to sustainability," David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero, remarked, praising GEMS Education for taking "tangible steps" towards decarbonising its operations.

"As the largest school-based solar initiative in the region, this landmark project establishes a new benchmark for sustainability in education," said Yohaan Cama, Senior Manager – ESG at GEMS Education. It underscores the institution's steadfast commitment to sustainability and supports the UAE's transition towards clean energy and net-zero objectives.

Echoing this sentiment, Dino Varkey, CEO of GEMS Education, emphasized the importance of integrating renewable energy solutions at scale. "GEMS Education is proud to lead the way in terms of sustainability within the UAE's education sector," Varkey stated, highlighting the initiative's role in teaching climate literacy and instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in students.

Ovais Chhotani, CFO of GEMS Education, described the agreement as the beginning of a "broader sustainability journey," emphasising its role in reducing environmental impact and fostering a greener future. This initiative builds upon previous collaborations between GEMS Education and Positive Zero's distributed generation business, SirajPower, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable energy solutions.