April 5- The world’s tallest building in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, has installed solar panels to heat 140,000 litres of water for its residents. The panels will save 3,200KWs of energy per day and 690MWh of energy per annum. “The thermal energy initiative at Burj Khalifa highlights Emaar’s commitment to partner in the government’s sustainable development goals,” said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, UAE, while talking to journalists on Sunday.
The panels have been installed and are operated by SOLE UAE Solar Systems, the oldest thermal energy company of its kind in Europe. “Burj Khalifa presented us a remarkable opportunity to use solar energy to meet the water heating needs of residents in the tower. The significant benefits include cost savings on energy uses – not only for the tower but the government utility provider too – as well as reduced pollution levels leading to a healthier environment,” said John Owen of SOLE UAE.
Apart from this, the condensed water from all the air-conditioning in Burj Khalifa will cool the potable water along with irrigating the gardens there. When operational, this system will provide about 15 million gallons of supplemental water per year.
