EWEC and Tadweer Group name key partners for pioneering Abu Dhabi waste-to-energy project
Japan based consortium sign concession agreement for ‘world’s most advanced’ WtE facility as UAE advances circular economy agenda.
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a leading company in the integrated coordination of planning, purchasing and supply of water and electricity across the UAE, and sustainable waste innovation champion, Tadweer Group, have named concession partners for EWEC’s greenfield waste-to-energy (WtE) facility in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement was signed between both parties and a Japan-based consortium comprised of Marubeni Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG (HZI), and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN).
Present at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre signing were Othman Al Ali, CEO, EWEC; of EWEC, a leading company in the integrated coordination of planning, purchasing and supply of water and electricity across the UAE Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO, Tadweer Group; and Roni Araiji, consortium representative and Managing Director Middle East for Hitachi Zosen Inova Ltd. Representatives of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy were also present.
Commenting on the milestone signing, EWEC CEO, Othman Al Ali, said: "This significant waste-to-energy project enables Abu Dhabi’s strategic shift towards integrating sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources that cater to its community's needs and drive the development of the UAE’s circular economy.”
Isao Suzuki, Regional CEO of Marubeni Corporation for Middle East cited the project as a ‘pivotal initiative’ for the group, adding: “[This project] also showcases the strength of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.”
The Independent Power Project (IPP) is set to be ‘the world’s most advanced WtE facility’ and one of the largest in the region and is fully aligned with the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Policy.
Located near the existing Al Dhafra landfill in Abu Dhabi, once operational, it is expected to have processing capacity of 900,000 tonnes of waste per year, with potential to generate enough electricity to power up to 52,500 UAE households. Annual carbon emissions reduction of 1.1 million tonnes is also forecasted. According to EWEC, the project will ‘set benchmarks for WtE energy projects in terms of scale, efficiency and environmental benefits’.
Tadweer Group Managing Director and CEO, Ali Al Dhaheri heralded the concession agreement as a “new chapter in our mission to promote environmental sustainability and implement accelerated technology, showcasing the importance of waste conversion to clean energy,.” He noted: “This project is a cornerstone in our strategy to reduce reliance on landfills, lower carbon emissions, and support the UAE's energy agenda. We look forward to working closely with our partners to harness pioneering technologies that transform waste into valuable resources.”
The project will involve the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the WtE plant that will use advanced moving grate technology to convert municipal solid waste into electricity via a high-efficiency steam turbine generator set.
In March 2023, the UAE Cabinet adopted the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031, an updated framework for implementation of the country’s circular economy agenda. A total of 22 policies have been introduced or are under development, with the UAE Circular Economy Council focusing on four main sectors: manufacturing, food, infrastructure and transport.
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