Emirates’ catering division EKFC (Emirates Flight Catering), has announced it has commissioned a state-of-the-art solar power system across its premises.

Expected to deliver an annual reduction of 3 million kg in greenhouse gas emissions, EKFC’s eco-initiative supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, first launched in 2015. Under the strategy, the Emirate aims to produce 75 per cent of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Sustainability is an important pillar of the Emirates Group strategy. We are committed to responsible business and environmental stewardship, and we apply eco-efficient technologies across our operations to minimise our impact even as we continue to grow. Emirates Flight Catering’s latest initiatives open new opportunities to improve resource efficiency, underpinning Dubai’s strategy to become a global centre of clean energy and green economy.”

EKFC’s solar rooftop power plant comprises 8,112 individual solar panels. It is expected to generate 4,195 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, allowing the company to reduce traditional energy consumption by 15% across its laundry, food manufacturing and staff accommodation facilities. Consequently, EKFC’s carbon dioxide emission will decrease by 3 million kg annually – the equivalent of the annual electricity use of 518 family homes.

Saeed Mohammed, chief executive officer of Emirates Flight Catering, said: “We are excited to announce another significant, long-term investment in our sustainable operations. Our state-of-the-art solar power plant helps us further optimise resources and enhance environmental efficiency, which will benefit all of our stakeholders, including our customers, employees and the communities around us. In line with our appetite for perfection, we stay committed to providing the best possible quality products and services to our customers using sustainable and innovative solutions.”

Firthermore, EKFC will shortly start constructing the world’s largest vertical farming facility in a joint venture with US-based Crop One, an industry leader. The 12077sqm controlled environment facility will produce 2,700kg of high quality, herbicide- and pesticide-free leafy greens daily, using 99% less water than outdoor fields. Its location will enable quick delivery of fresh products within hours of harvest, maintaining the food’s nutritional value and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. The first products are expected to be delivered to Emirates Flight Catering’s customers in 2020.