The UAE-based Union Coop and Positive Zero, a provider of decentralized clean energy solutions, have launched one of the Middle East’s largest solar energy projects in the retail sector.
The partnership aims to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas across Union Coop locations. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year – delivering same environmental benefit as planting approximately 325,000 trees. This supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
The signing ceremony was held at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai in the presence of 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; and Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero’s Generation business, along with other distinguished attendees.
The project, set to be completed by mid-2026, will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop). With an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, the system is expected to generate approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to power over 4,000 homes.
Mohamed Al Hashemi CEO – Union Coop
“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. Union Coop aims to serve as a role model in the retail sector by adopting innovative practices that reduce carbon emissions and create lasting environmental impact. Our responsibility as a cooperative goes beyond serving the people, as we are equally committed to protecting the environment and embedding sustainable practices that ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”
Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain stated that, “Union Coop has an important heritage, serving the UAE community for decades. This project represents one of the largest retail chain solar agreements ever signed in the Middle East and Positive Zero’s most extensive generation undertaking for the retail sector in the UAE to date. We look forward to a long, successful partnership with Union Coop and delivering major environmental benefits from this renewable energy mission.”
“Union Coop is making a major step forward in its sustainability journey with this distributed solar project. Our teams are already working together on the first phase, and by this time next year, we expect clean, renewable energy to be powering all agreed sites. Collaboratively, we will drive greater operational, economic and environmental sustainability and identify the potential for further clean energy innovations,” added David Auriau.
This move strengthens Union Coop’s commitment to sustainability. Some of the impactful initiatives by Union Coop include banning single-use plastic bags, adopting eco-friendly packaging and collaborating with public and private sectors to reduce supply chain emissions.
