Environment

In a landmark initiative aligned with the UAE’s clean energy ambitions, Union Coop (UNIONCOOP:DFM) has partnered with Positive Zero, a decentralized clean energy solutions provider, to launch one of the largest solar energy projects in the Middle East’s retail sector. With a capacity of 17.3 megawatts (MW), the project is expected to generate 29.23 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by 21,650 tons—equivalent to planting approximately 325,000 trees.

The announcement was made at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai, during a signing ceremony attended by:

• Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop

• Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero

• Ahmed Al Zarooni, Chief Real Estate Officer of Union Coop

• David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero

• Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero’s Generation business
  along with other dignitaries and sustainability advocates.

Project Scope and Environmental Impact

Set for completion by mid-2026, the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will be installed across up to 30 Union Coop sites in Dubai and at the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters. The initiative aims to power more than 4,000 homes annually, offering significant savings and sustainable operational benefits.

Importantly, this large-scale renewable energy move aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to raise the share of clean energy in the national energy mix to 30% by 2030.

Leadership Comments on the Sustainability Milestone

Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, emphasized the organization’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility:

"Today marks a landmark moment in Union Coop’s journey to become a leader in sustainability. By integrating clean energy solutions into our daily operations, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for a net-zero future by 2050."

He added that sustainability is core to Union Coop’s mission, reflecting a responsibility that extends beyond consumer service to environmental stewardship.

Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, highlighted the project’s regional significance:

"This is one of the largest retail solar agreements in the Middle East and our most extensive project in the UAE retail sector to date. We’re proud to support Union Coop’s sustainability transformation."

David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero, said the rollout of the first phase is already underway and emphasized the potential for further clean energy innovations in collaboration with Union Coop.

Broader Sustainability Strategy

This initiative complements Union Coop’s broader sustainability efforts, which include:

• Eliminating single-use plastic bags

• Implementing eco-friendly packaging

• Reducing supply chain emissions in collaboration with public and private sector partners

As a key player in the UAE’s consumer retail market, Union Coop is positioning itself as a model for sustainable retail operations, paving the way for other businesses to integrate renewable energy into their infrastructure.

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