Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has entered into an agreement with The Centre of Waste Management Abu Dhabi for the joint development of a massiveWaste-to-Energy plant capable of generating 100 MW by 2016.

As per the deal, the two entities will divert waste from landfill and create a long-term source of energy in what is seen as a major step forward in Abu Dhabi’s vision for a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

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 per cent diversion of waste from landfill, which falls within the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 objectives, said a statement from Taqa.

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 UAE, said a senior official.

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, the 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 see cooperation with Taqa as the mainstay of a sustainable waste management strategy, focusing on our goal of 80 per cent diversion of waste from landfill,' he remarked.

On the new initiative, Taqa board chairman Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi 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,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service