GEMS Education signs renewable energy deal with decarbonisation provider Positive Zero  

Dubai, Mar 12, 2025: A major renewable energy agreement has been signed to transform 23 schools in Dubai in a landmark move for sustainability in the UAE’s education sector. The initiative includes the design, engineering, installation and maintenance of solar rooftops, carports and bus parking across 23 GEMS schools in Dubai, making it one of the largest deals in renewable energy in the country’s educations sector. GEMS Education signed the deal with decarbonisation firm Positive Zero.  

Across the various schools, the newly installed solar systems will collectively boast a capacity nearing 12.7 MWp, generating 21.25 GWh of electricity annually – enough to power 2,000 homes for a full year.  

The initiative is projected to mitigate 14,276 metric tonnes of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to taking 3,300 cars off the road. Over the project’s lifespan, this reduction would equate to the environmental benefits of cultivating nearly 6 million trees. 

Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Education says, “This landmark agreement with Positive Zero not only underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also aligns with our vision of integrating renewable energy at scale.  

“By harnessing solar power, we are contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy while also instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in our students, the leaders of tomorrow. We have long emphasised the importance of teaching climate literacy in our schools – and today, through this agreement, we take pride in continuing to put our words into action.”  

Positive Zero will also provide financing through long-term leasing, with no upfront investment required from GEMS Education.   

Each of the 23 schools chosen in Dubai for this latest renewable energy initiative will now progress towards commissioning and completion, which is expected in early 2026.