UAE – Belgian infrastructure company Besix has announced that the Warsan Waste-to-Energy (W-t-E) plant in Dubai, has officially entered full commercial operation
The pant has been developed in partnership with Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), Dubai Holding, Dubal, Tech Group, and Itochu.
This marks the start of Besix’s 35-year Operations and Maintenance period, aligning with Dubai’s long-term sustainability goals.
As the main contractor and industrial equity provider, Besix was central to the plant’s development, design, and construction.
In collaboration with HZI’s advanced technologies, Besix has established one of the most energy-efficient W-t-E facilities globally.
This project highlights the power of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges. It positions the plant as a key component of Dubai’s waste management and renewable energy strategy.
The Warsan plant processes 5,666 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, generating up to 220 MW of clean energy to power approximately 135,000 homes.
Beyond energy production, the facility repurposes residual ash into cement kiln dust, recycled into cement production to minimize raw material consumption.
Additionally, metals recovered from waste are recycled, contributing to Dubai’s circular economy efforts.
Milestones leading to full operation
In June 2023, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, inaugurated the Warsan Waste-to-Energy plant, celebrating the successful commissioning phase, marked by the plant’s first fire.
By July 2023, the facility achieved grid synchronization, transmitting electricity to the UAE’s national power grid under the supervision of HZI engineers.
By November 2023, all five incineration lines were fully operational and connected to the steam turbine, demonstrating the plant’s capacity to process waste efficiently.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo visited the facility during the COP28 event in Dubai and observed its operations firsthand.
By March 2024, all construction activities were completed to the highest engineering standards. The plant’s full operational capacity is a testament to the strong collaboration between Besix, HZI, and Dubai Municipality.
The Warsan plant sets a new global benchmark for waste-to-energy projects, adhering to the highest engineering and environmental sustainability standards.
This achievement results from robust collaboration between the public and private sectors, showcasing innovative infrastructure solutions that address pressing environmental challenges.
The project adds to Besix’s expanding portfolio of environmental initiatives across the Middle East, which includes the Ajman Sludge-to-Energy facility and the Emirates Refuse Derived Fuel project in Umm Al Quwain. These efforts reinforce Besix’s commitment to sustainable urban solutions.
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