BEEAH and Masdar Forge Ahead with Ambitious Expansion of Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant
In a significant development in the realm of sustainable waste management and clean energy, BEEAH Group and Masdar announced the expansion of the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant during a signing ceremony held at BEEAH’s stand at a recent summit. The event was attended by Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, both of whom underscored the historic importance of this collaboration.
The Phase Two expansion represents a pivotal step in replicating the successes achieved by the existing facility, which commenced operations in 2022 as the first commercial-scale waste-to-energy plant in the Middle East. This ongoing project aims to significantly enhance the plant’s capabilities, effectively doubling its annual output from 30 megawatts (MW) to nearly 60 MW. Equally important, the expansion is designed to process an impressive 600,000 tonnes of hard-to-recycle waste each year, enabling a substantial displacement of up to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.
Upon completion of Phase Two, the facility is expected to generate sufficient power to meet the annual energy needs of approximately 60,000 homes. This milestone is particularly relevant as Sharjah experiences rapid population growth and economic development, both of which drive an increasing demand for reliable energy sources.
Al Huraimel expressed his enthusiasm for the venture, stating, “This expansion marks a significant milestone in our journey towards eliminating landfills in Sharjah. It not only reaffirms our commitment to establishing zero-waste cities but also highlights the indispensable role of waste-to-energy innovations in facilitating the transition toward cleaner energy solutions.”
He emphasized the historical importance of this initiative: “Our collaboration with Masdar pioneered commercial-scale waste-to-energy operations in the region. With this expansion, we are not just advancing our zero-waste goals but also making a meaningful contribution to the national clean energy mix while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.”
Al Huraimel’s comments reflect a broader commitment to sustainability that aligns with global imperatives. The UAE, in particular, has set ambitious targets in its pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050. This project, through its innovative waste-to-energy technology, is positioned as a model for other cities striving to reduce landfill reliance as they aim for sustainable outcomes.
Moreover, Al Ramahi noted the alignment of this project with national objectives when he stated, “We are proud to extend the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant for Phase Two with BEEAH. This milestone signifies a crucial step in supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative and showcases the country’s leadership in pioneering innovative sustainable solutions. By building on the success of Phase One, this project will aid us in achieving the UAE’s ambitious target of diverting 75 percent of solid waste from landfills.”
The current operations at the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant already boast impressive statistics, including a 90-percent landfill diversion rate, one of the highest globally. Phase Two is poised to elevate this figure further, aiding in the accomplishment of BEEAH’s goal of a zero-waste city. The facility contributes to an integrated waste management complex that spans four square kilometers, where over 10 specialized facilities recover valuable materials to be reintroduced into the circular economy. The remaining hard-to-recycle waste is subsequently directed to the waste-to-energy plant, thereby closing the loop.
Currently, the 80,000 square-meter facility produces 30 MW of low-carbon energy, sufficient to power approximately 28,000 homes. Additionally, it has successfully displaced nearly 450,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and conserved an estimated 45 million cubic meters of natural gas each year. Notably, the plant achieved a remarkable uptime of 93%, underscoring its operational efficiency and minimal disruption in its initial years of functioning.
The process employed at the waste-to-energy facility is meticulously designed, encompassing various stages such as waste segregation, high-temperature combustion, energy generation via a steam turbine generator, and flue gas treatment for toxin and pollutant removal. The upcoming expansion will sustain these advanced processes while adhering to strict operational safety standards.
In conclusion, the expansion of the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant symbolizes a vital forward motion in the UAE’s commitment to sustainable energy and effective waste management practices. As environmental challenges continue to mount, innovations in waste-to-energy technologies emerge as essential contributors to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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