Set to be one of the region’s largest WtE facilities, the project will have an expected annual processing capacity of 900,000 tonnes of waste

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer) have announced the receipt of proposals for the development of the Abu Dhabi Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Independent Power Project (IPP), a greenfield project that is expected to become one of the largest WtE facilities in the region.

The project aims to process 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, with an expected carbon emissions reduction of 1.1 million tonnes per year and the potential to generate electricity to power up to 52,500 households.

The proposals were submitted by a Japan-based consortium comprising Marubeni Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG, and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development, and a consortium comprising SUEZ International S.A.S and PAL Cooling Holding LLC.

The project has received competitive bids, indicating a strong interest from leading entities in utilizing cutting-edge technologies and processes for sustainable energy production.

EWEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Othman Al Ali, said that the project is a significant opportunity to drive the country’s sustainability agenda and support the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

The company received a total of 109 expressions of interest from potential bidders during the prior stage of the project, with a request for proposal issued to qualified bidders in July 2022.

“The Abu Dhabi Waste-to-Energy project is part of the UAE’s efforts to achieve a circular economy, and it aligns with the “Year of Sustainability” and the country’s hosting of the COP28 global climate change summit,” said Al Ali.

“The project is also in line with Abu Dhabi’s mission to build an integrated waste management sector and support the UAE’s wider ambitions to unify efforts for a circular economy.”

The proposals will undergo a detailed technical and commercial evaluation, and the awarding announcement and the execution of the Concession Agreement are expected to take place in Q3, 2023.

The WtE project has a target commercial operation date of Q4, 2026.

The Abu Dhabi Waste-to-Energy Independent Power Project is a crucial development in the UAE’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, achieve a circular economy, and support sustainability initiatives.

Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Tadweer, said that the strong interest from leading entities in submitting competitive bids for the project reflects a growing global awareness and commitment towards utilising cutting-edge technologies and processes to produce sustainable energy.