Union Coop and Positive Zero Launch Mega Solar Project to Power UAE Retail Sector

In a move to accelerate its sustainability goals, Union Coop, one of the UAE’s leading consumer cooperatives, has partnered with Positive Zero to roll out one of the Middle East’s largest solar energy projects in the retail sector.

The long-term agreement will see solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed across the rooftops and parking lots of up to 30 Union Coop locations in Dubai, as well as the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters managed by the group. The project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, will deliver a total installed capacity of 17.3 MW, generating nearly 29.23 GW hours of clean electricity annually, equivalent to the energy needs of more than 4,000 homes.

Beyond energy savings, the initiative is set to curb carbon emissions by as much as 21,650 tons per year, comparable to planting around 325,000 trees. The project supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which seeks to raise clean energy’s share in the national energy mix to 30% by 2030.

The agreement was formalized at Union Coop’s Al Warqa City Mall headquarters in Dubai. Present at the signing ceremony were Union Coop CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi, Chief Real Estate Officer Ahmed Al Zarooni, and Positive Zero’s senior leadership, including Chairman Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, CEO David Auriau, and Generation Business CEO Laurent Longuet.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Hashemi described the project as a 'andmark moment' for Union Coop. “This initiative represents more than an investment in infrastructure, it’s a commitment to our community and our planet. By integrating clean energy into our operations, Union Coop is stepping up to lead by example in the retail sector’s journey toward a greener future,” he said.

Positive Zero’s Chairman Hussain hailed the partnership as one of the largest solar retail chain deals ever inked in the region. “This is a flagship project not only for Union Coop but also for Positive Zero. It marks our most ambitious retail-focused generation project in the UAE,” he noted.

David Auriau added that implementation is already underway, with the first phase of installations in progress. “By next year, we aim to have all agreed sites powered by renewable energy. This collaboration will pave the way for deeper sustainability integration and innovation across Union Coop’s operations,” he said.

With both organisations committed to driving clean energy adoption, the partnership is expected to set a benchmark for the retail industry in the region and beyond.