New solar panels at London Gateway bring DP World closer to net zero target in the UK

DP World has taken another step in its ambition to become the most sustainable logistics company in the UK following the successful testing of new solar power units at its London Gateway hub. The installation of sunlight-converting photovoltaic panels on the canopy of the gateway building, through which 548,000 trucks a year enter the port on their way to pick up or unload containers, has generated a total of 29.95 megawatt hours (MWH) of electricity in the first two months with a highest daily peak of 120 KWH. Andrew Bowen, Chief Operating Officer at DP World, said, “We are committed to mitigating the impacts of climate change by becoming a net zero logistics organisation by 2050. This successful trial is another step on that journey, with our Gatehouse complex becoming the first fully carbon-neutral part of London Gateway since photovoltaic panels were introduced two months ago. Decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today and we want to further reduce emissions by increasing our use of renewable electricity. This means we will install significantly more solar photovoltaic panels at our logistics hubs in both London Gateway and Southampton over the next three years.”

DP World operates the UK’s most advanced logistics hubs: two deep-water ports in Southampton and London Gateway with access to freight rail terminals and a rapidly expanding logistics park on the capital’s doorstep. The company is a major contributor to the UK economy, handling over £43 billion worth of goods annually. By decarbonising its operations, DP World, which oversees trade flows in more than 200 countries on six continents, offers customers solutions that support their own sustainability journeys. Earlier this year, the Southampton terminal announced a 55% reduction in net carbon emissions from its fleet and facilities by 2022 after switching to hydrogen-treated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable biodiesel from sustainable sources. DP World’s new £350m fourth berth at London Gateway will open next summer as part of Thames Freeport and will be the first in Britain to be all-electric. DP World is also building some of the most sustainable warehouses ever built in the adjacent logistics park, aiming for a 30% CO2 reduction during construction and 40% in operational CO2 emissions.