Burj Khalifa taps solar power for water heating needs

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, has launched a thermal energy initiative by using solar panels to heat 140,000 litres of water every day, which will be distributed to homes and commercial entities within the tower.

The solar powered water brings energy savings equivalent to 3,200 kilo watts per day and 690MWh of energy per annum, Emaar Properties has announced on Sunday.

“Energy efficient measures, especially through use of renewable sources, are not an option but an imperative for sustainable growth. By leveraging solar power, Burj Khalifa is setting an example as well as creating a referral mark on how urban development can effectively integrate energy-friendly initiatives,” said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Emaar Properties’ managing director-UAE.

The solar panels of Burj Khalifa serve as solar collectors, as against photovoltaic electricity generation technology. Located on roof of The Offices, the annexure of Burj Khalifa, 378 collector panels, each 2.7 square metre in area, can heat the entire 140,000 litres of water in approximately seven hours of day time solar radiation.

Among other key sustainable energy and water use measures, the condensate from all the air-conditioning equipment in Burj Khalifa is reclaimed to cool the potable water from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. The condensate is then collected in an on-site irrigation tank and used for tower’s landscaping. When operational, this system will provide about 15 million gallons of supplemental water per year.

The solar heating system is installed and operated by SOLE UAE Solar Systems, the oldest solar thermal company in Europe.