Abu Dhabi 'Waste to Energy' initiative

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) and The Centre of Waste Management Abu Dhabi (CWM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the joint development of 100mw Waste to Energy facility in Abu Dhabi by 2015/16. Having developed the concept over the past twelve months, TAQA and CWM have agreed to work together to create one of the largest Waste to Energy plants in the world, and the first of its kind in The United Arab Emirates. The facility will be capable of processing up to a million tonnes of municipal solid waste per annum, contributing towards CWM's stated target of 80% diversion of waste from landfill, which falls within the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 objectives. TAQA's experience of building, owning and operating thermal power facilities means that Waste to Energy is a natural addition to its fleet. Mohammed Al Bawardi, Chairman of The Centre of Waste Management Abu Dhabi said, "Keeping up with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 requires the concerted efforts of various departments and national institutions to develop in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. In signing this Agreement, we at the Centre of Waste Management see cooperation with TAQA as the mainstay of a sustainable waste management strategy, focusing on our goal of 80% diversion of waste from landfill." Commenting on this new initiative, Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAQA, said, "A strategic partnership between our two entities to divert waste from landfill and create a long-term source of energy is a major step forward in Abu Dhabi's vision for a cleaner and more sustainable environment, and demonstrates our commitment to energy security through non-traditional means of power generation. We see this as the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, with more to follow, utilising waste as a resource and working as a team to provide employment and technological advancement in the region."