Dubai to Establish Large Energy-from-Waste Project

Construction work at one of the world’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities. Asharq Al-Awsat
Construction work at one of the world’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Dubai to Establish Large Energy-from-Waste Project

Construction work at one of the world’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities. Asharq Al-Awsat
Construction work at one of the world’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities. Asharq Al-Awsat

Dubai Holding has partnered with Dubal Holding, ITOCHU Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Inova, BESIX Group and Tech Group to develop one of the world’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) facility, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The consortium of leading international companies will build and operate the AED 4 billion project under a 35-year concession period with Dubai Municipality. This landmark public-private partnership represents one of the most significant renewable energy investments in the United Arab Emirates, WAM said.

The Dubai Centre for Waste Processing, located in the Warsan area, will treat 5,666 tons of municipal solid waste produced by Dubai per day. A total of 1,900,000 tons of waste per year will be converted into renewable energy. The approximate 200 MW of electricity generated will be fed into the local grid as clean energy. The facility will have the capacity to process up to 45 percent of Dubai’s current municipal waste generation, in turn significantly minimizing the volume of municipal waste in landfills.

In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the facility will contribute to reaching the goals set by Dubai Municipality in minimizing the volume of municipal waste in landfills and developing alternative energy sources as well as contribute to sustainable and ecologically friendly waste management in the Emirate and the targets outlined in the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had given the start signal for implementing the project in line with international environmental standards and with a capacity of about one thousand trucks per day. Foundational works on the project are proceeding at pace.

The project finance loan agreements, in the amount of $900 million, have been finalized with Japan Bank for International Cooperation and financial institutions including Société Générale Bank, KfW IPEX Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Siemens Bank and Crédit Agricole Bank. Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) will provide the insurance for a part of the loan being provided by the financial institutions.



Saudi Arabia’s One Planet Summit Charts Pathways for Climate Investment Decisions

Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP 16 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP 16 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia’s One Planet Summit Charts Pathways for Climate Investment Decisions

Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP 16 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP 16 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The 7th annual summit of the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds Working Group (OPSWF), held in Riyadh on Tuesday, outlined key pathways to enhance climate-aligned investment decisions and improve efficiency and impact within the global financial system.

Discussions focused on climate-relevant data, artificial intelligence, enabling technologies, transformative financing, clean hydrogen, green buildings, and renewable energy in emerging markets and developing economies.

Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the summit featured French President Emmanuel Macron, PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and over 100 CEOs, members of the OPSWF, and private equity and asset managers.

The meeting coincided with Saudi Arabia hosting major climate-related events, including the UNCCD COP16 (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, and the One Water Summit, all taking place this December.

Discussions at the summit emphasized the vital role of sovereign wealth funds as global investment entities in addressing climate challenges, driving economic transformation, and achieving sustainable development. The participants explored opportunities to scale investments in renewable energy, expand green financing for hard-to-abate sectors, utilize AI for emissions reduction, and advance green building standards.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan highlighted the Saudi sovereign wealth fund’s commitment to integrating climate action into all its investment decisions. He reaffirmed PIF’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals. Renewable energy remains a top priority for PIF’s investment strategy to achieve this target, he emphasized.

He also noted PIF’s efforts to localize renewable energy industries and produce clean hydrogen, with the fund responsible for developing 70% of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy capacity.

Al-Rumayyan also said that PIF continues to collaborate with the OPSWF to develop a comprehensive and inclusive investment approach to achieving net-zero emissions.