Dubai: Union Coop partners with Positive Zero to install 17.3 MW of solar capacity across 30 retail sites, generating 29.23 GWh annually and cutting 21,650 tons of CO2 emissions, significantly advancing the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero and Energy Strategy goals.
Union Coop, the UAE’s largest consumer cooperative, has entered into a strategic partnership with Positive Zero, a prominent provider of decentralized clean energy solutions, to launch one of the Middle East’s largest solar energy projects within the retail sector. Officially signed at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai, the agreement marks a significant step toward supporting the UAE’s ambitious climate goals, notably the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
The project involves the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across rooftops and parking areas at up to 30 Union Coop locations in Dubai, as well as the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters, managed by Union Coop. Once completed by mid-2026, the installations will boast an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, expected to generate approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power over 4,000 homes. This transition to solar is projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year, an environmental benefit equated to planting roughly 325,000 trees.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, described the initiative as a “landmark moment” in the cooperative’s sustainability journey. Speaking at the ceremony, he noted that integrating clean energy solutions aligns Union Coop with the UAE’s vision of a net-zero future by 2050. “Our responsibility as a cooperative goes beyond serving the people; we are equally committed to protecting the environment and embedding sustainable practices that ensure a brighter future for generations to come,” he added. This project also underlines Union Coop’s ambition to act as a role model within the retail sector by pioneering innovative and scalable sustainability efforts.
Representing Positive Zero, Chairman Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain highlighted the project as one of the largest retail chain solar agreements signed in the Middle East, affirming its significance as Positive Zero’s most extensive generation undertaking in the UAE’s retail sector to date. David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero, affirmed the collaborative effort to drive both operational and environmental sustainability, noting that the teams were already progressing with the first phase of implementation. Auriau emphasized the shared goal of fostering further clean energy innovations following this landmark deployment.
This initiative is part of Union Coop’s broader sustainability agenda, which includes proactive measures such as banning single-use plastic bags, adopting eco-friendly packaging, and working collaboratively with public and private sectors to reduce supply chain emissions. The project dovetails with broader national objectives aiming to elevate clean energy’s contribution to 30% of the UAE’s energy mix by 2030, a key milestone on the path to achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century.
By integrating solar power at retail sites, Union Coop is pioneering a large-scale, distributed solar energy model in the Middle East, potentially setting a precedent for other retail and commercial entities in the region. The emphasis on environmental responsibility combined with operational sustainability reflects a growing trend among UAE enterprises to align business strategies with the country’s green energy ambitions.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://intlbm.com/2025/07/22/union-coop-partners-with-positive-zero-to-launch-retail-solar-energy-projects/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.pv-magazine.com/press-releases/union-coop-and-positive-zero-launch-one-of-the-middle-easts-largest-retail-solar-energy-projects/ – Union Coop, the UAE’s largest consumer cooperative, has partnered with Positive Zero to launch one of the Middle East’s largest retail solar energy projects. The initiative involves installing solar photovoltaic systems on rooftops and parking areas across Union Coop locations, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions and support the UAE’s net-zero targets. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-2026, covering up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters. With an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, the system is expected to produce approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to power over 4,000 homes. The initiative will reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year, equivalent to planting approximately 325,000 trees. It aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to raise clean energy’s share to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/utilities/dubai-listed-union-coop-to-generate-green-energy-to-cut-carbon-emissions-tzgjwcy0 – Union Coop, the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE, is installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas as it seeks to lower carbon emissions and support the UAE’s net-zero targets. The project, launched in collaboration with Dubai-based Positive Zero, will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop) with an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2026 and produce 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, sufficient to power over 4,000 homes. The initiative will reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tonnes annually, equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting 325,000 trees. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, stated, “By integrating clean energy solutions into our daily operations, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for a net-zero future by 2050.”
- https://www.gulfconstructiononline.com/ArticleTA/435005/Union-Coop%2C-Positive-Zero-launch-big-Mideast-retail-solar-project – Union Coop, a key consumer cooperative in the UAE, has joined hands with Positive Zero, a leading provider of decentralised clean energy solutions, for the launch of one of the Middle East’s largest solar energy projects in the retail sector. The long-term agreement will see the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas across Union Coop locations, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UAE’s net-zero targets. Scheduled for completion by mid-2026, the project will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop). With an installed capacity of 17.3MW, the system is expected to produce approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power over 4,000 homes. The initiative will reduce carbon emissions by up to 21,650 tons each year, the equivalent environmental benefit of planting approximately 325,000 trees. It aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to raise clean energy’s share to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030.
- https://www.cbnme.com/news/union-coop-positive-zero-launch-major-solar-project-in-uae-retail-sector/ – Union Coop has joined forces with Positive Zero to roll out one of the Middle East’s largest solar PV projects across its sites, aligning with the UAE’s long-term decarbonization strategy. The long-term agreement will see the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs and parking areas across Union Coop locations, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting the UAE’s net-zero targets. The agreement was signed at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, Dubai in the presence of Mr. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop; Mr. Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero; Mr. Ahmed Al Zarooni, Chief Real Estate Officer of Union Coop; Mr. David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero; and Mr. Laurent Longuet, CEO of Positive Zero’s Generation business, along with other distinguished attendees. Scheduled for completion by mid-2026, the project will cover up to 30 Union Coop sites across Dubai and the Umm Al Quwain Coop headquarters (managed by Union Coop). With an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts, the system is expected to produce approximately 29.23 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually—enough to power over 4,000 homes.
- https://www.saurenergy.me/union-coop-to-install-solar-power-at-30-sites-by-2026/ – Union Coop has signed an agreement with Positive Zero to install solar photovoltaic systems at up to 30 locations. These systems will be placed on rooftops and parking areas of Union Coop stores in Dubai and at the headquarters of Umm Al Quwain Coop. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2026. It will have an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts. The systems are estimated to produce 29.23 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year. This is enough to supply electricity to about 4,000 homes annually. The project is estimated to reduce 21,650 tons of carbon emissions every year. This reduction is roughly equal to the effect of planting 325,000 trees. The installation supports targets under the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. These plans aim to increase the share of clean energy in the national energy mix to 30% by 2030. The agreement was signed at Union Coop’s Al Warqa City Mall headquarters in Dubai. Officials from Union Coop and Positive Zero were present at the signing. These included Union Coop CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi, Chief Real Estate Officer Ahmed Al Zarooni, Positive Zero Chairman Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, CEO David Auriau, and Generation Business CEO Laurent Longuet. This solar energy rollout is one of the largest in the Middle East retail sector.
- https://energetica-india.net/news/union-coop-and-positive-zero-launch-mega-solar-project-to-power-uae-retail-sector – 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 ‘landmark 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.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was first published on July 22, 2025, and has been republished across multiple reputable outlets, including pv magazine International ([pv-magazine.com](https://www.pv-magazine.com/press-releases/union-coop-and-positive-zero-launch-one-of-the-middle-easts-largest-retail-solar-energy-projects/?utm_source=openai)), Gulf Construction Online ([gulfconstructiononline.com](https://www.gulfconstructiononline.com/ArticleTA/435005/Union-Coop%2C-Positive-Zero-launch-big-Mideast-retail-solar-project?utm_source=openai)), and Saur Energy ([saurenergy.me](https://www.saurenergy.me/union-coop-to-install-solar-power-at-30-sites-by-2026/?utm_source=openai)). The earliest known publication date is July 22, 2025. The presence of the same content across multiple reputable outlets suggests that the narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and is not recycled from older material. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The content has not appeared more than 7 days earlier. The inclusion of updated data justifies a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, and Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Positive Zero, appear in the earliest known publication on July 22, 2025. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating that the quotes are original. The wording of the quotes matches across the sources, with no variations found.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including Union Coop and Positive Zero, both of which have a public presence and legitimate websites. The report has been covered by multiple reputable outlets, including pv magazine International ([pv-magazine.com](https://www.pv-magazine.com/press-releases/union-coop-and-positive-zero-launch-one-of-the-middle-easts-largest-retail-solar-energy-projects/?utm_source=openai)), Gulf Construction Online ([gulfconstructiononline.com](https://www.gulfconstructiononline.com/ArticleTA/435005/Union-Coop%2C-Positive-Zero-launch-big-Mideast-retail-solar-project?utm_source=openai)), and Saur Energy ([saurenergy.me](https://www.saurenergy.me/union-coop-to-install-solar-power-at-30-sites-by-2026/?utm_source=openai)), indicating a high level of reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with the UAE’s climate goals and energy strategy. The project details, including the installation of solar photovoltaic systems across multiple locations and the expected environmental benefits, are consistent with the information provided by the involved parties. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate and official communications. The structure is focused and relevant to the claim, with no excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and professional, resembling typical corporate language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from reliable sources. The claims made are plausible and supported by specific factual details. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications. No signs of disinformation or recycled content were found.
