The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) has announced the commencement of a competitive tender process for the development of a greenfield waste-to-energy independent power project (IPP).
For the first stage of the tender process, EWEC and Tadweer are inviting developers to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to EWEC by February 11.
The proposed plant will be developed through Abu Dhabi’s successful IPP model, with long-term project agreements encompassing both power purchase and waste supply with EWEC and Tadweer.
It will be located near the existing Al Dhafra landfill in Abu Dhabi, will have an expected processing capacity between 600,000 and 900,000 tonnes of waste per year, and will generate enough electricity to power up to 22,500 UAE households, making it one of the largest of its kind in the region.
In addition, the plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1.5 million tonnes per year – equivalent to the removal of more than 300,000 cars from the road.
Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, said: “Sustainable energy production is fundamentally important to the future of the UAE. EWEC has been at the forefront of developing solar power energy projects, and we are proud to expand our portfolio to include circular economy projects, such as waste-to-energy.
“Our collaboration with Tadweer to develop this plant is a crucial next step in the aim of significantly reducing waste to landfill, stimulating the economy, and decreasing CO2 emissions. We are looking for the best partners to develop the project and support this ambitious and significant strategy.”
Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC
Dr Salem Al Kaabi, director general of Tadweer, added: “We are delighted to begin the tendering process for this important project. This facility will set the benchmark for WtE energy projects in the region, not only in terms of scale but also in terms of efficiency and environmental benefits, and ensure that we meet UAE Vision 2021 to divert 75 percent of municipal solid waste away from landfills.”
The project will involve the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the plant and the successful developer will own up to 40 percent while the remaining equity will be primarily held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.
Following review of the EOIs by EWEC and Tadweer, EWEC will issue the request for qualifications (RFQ) to proceed to the next stage.
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