The first waste-to-energy plant was inaugurated in Sharjah on Tuesday. This plant will divert up to 300000 tonnes of waste from landfills annually. The plant was inaugurated by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Sharjah. This Waste to Energy, is a joint venture established by Beeah Energy, the renewable energy business of Beeah Group, and Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies.
First announced in 2018, this plant will contribute to avoiding the emission of up to 450000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Once tested, commissioned, and operational, the plant will enable Sharjah to become the Middle East’s first zero-waste city, turning unrecyclable waste into clean energy and increasing the current landfill diversion rate from 76 percent to 100 percent. It will also help reduce waste sent to landfills across the UAE while contributing to the nation’s clean energy resources.
Constructed by France-based industrial contractor CNIM, the plant covers an 80,000 sqm area and follows EU Best Available Techniques to align with the strictest environmental standards globally.
It works by processing unrecyclable waste at high temperatures and the resulting heat is recovered by a boiler. The boiler then produces steam, which drives a turbine to produce electricity.
Bottom ash produced during the process is collected for the recovery of metals and ash material, which can be used in construction and roadwork applications. Fly ash is also collected and treated separately.
Emirates Waste to Energy, which is equally owned by Beeah and Masdar, said it plans to establish more plants across the UAE and the Middle East.
It is also exploring collaborations with international and local entities, including the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
