Union Coop, the UAE’s largest consumer cooperative, has partnered with decentralized clean energy firm Positive Zero to launch what is being described as one of the Middle East’s largest solar energy initiatives in the retail sector.
The long-term agreement will see rooftop and car park solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at up to 30 Union Coop locations across Dubai, as well as the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters.
The project, scheduled for completion by mid-2026, will deliver 17.3 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity and generate approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year—enough to supply power to over 4,000 homes.
It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tonnes annually, equivalent to planting around 325,000 trees, and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which targets a 30% share of clean energy in the national mix by 2030.
“Today marks a landmark moment in Union Coop’s journey to become a leader in sustainability,” said Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop. “We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for a net-zero future by 2050. Our goal is to lead by example in the retail sector.”
The agreement was signed at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai, in the presence of Al Hashemi; Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero; David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero; Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero’s Generation business; and other senior representatives.
Positive Zero described the project as its most extensive solar deployment to date in the retail space.
“This is one of the largest retail solar agreements in the region,” said Hussain. “It marks a significant expansion of Positive Zero’s generation portfolio in the UAE and reflects our commitment to delivering major environmental benefits through renewable energy.”
Auriau added that the first phase is already underway, with full site coverage expected by mid-next year. He said the partnership aims to “drive greater operational, economic and environmental sustainability,” with scope for further clean energy collaborations.
The move adds to Union Coop’s wider environmental agenda, which includes banning single-use plastic bags and adopting low-impact packaging, as well as initiatives to reduce emissions across its supply chain.
