The Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) announced the opening of the second phase of the solar power plant project at the Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste recycling facility in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. 

Aimed at lowering its carbon footprint, the facility, touted as the first of its kind in the world to be 90 percent solar-powered, is aligned with the country’s ambitious plans to mitigate climate change including the UAE Green Agenda Programmes (2015-2030) and the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE (2017–2050), said Tadweer.

With completion of the second phase, the Centre, in close coordination with the investor of the facility, has significantly enhanced the facility’s solar energy utilisation by increasing its capacity to 600 kilowatts per hour, up by 350 kilowatts per hour. In addition to enhancing the facility’s operational efficiency, the increased capacity will help lower its carbon footprint by avoiding more than 1,300 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 4,133 trees, and saving 480,000 liters of diesel on a monthly basis. This will significantly contribute to protecting the emirate’s environment and cutting harmful emissions.

To raise the efficiency of the power plant, the entity installed 1,656 solar cells at an area covering 11,000 square meters, with a capacity to produce a total 600 kilowatts, equivalent to generating 878,000 kilowatts energy from diesel, saving an annual diesel consumption of up to 480,000 litres. This will help prevent an average of 1,300 tons of carbon emission per year.

“Since its inception, Tadweer has put in place effective operational plans for various sectors of integrated waste management to ensure a safe, healthy and sustainable environment in Abu Dhabi to support the leadership's vision of promoting sustainable development. In line with this priority, the Center has been adopting innovative solutions and the latest international practices that help prevent pollution and harmful emissions to contribute to the preservation of environment and sustainable development,” said H.E. Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Tadweer.

“In adopting clean energy, Tadweer’s C&D Waste Recycling Plant has become a vital facility in consolidating the UAE’s environmental credentials at the regional and international levels, while leveraging the advantages of solar energy to protect the Emirate’s environment.

“In enhancing the efficiency of solar energy utilisation at Al Dhafra C&D Waste Recycling Facility, we aim to contribute to the country's transition to a green economy through supporting its climate change adaptation strategies and improving the quality of life of its population. At Tadweer, we are committed to working with all relevant entities to achieve the objectives of National Climate Change Plan and foster the emirate’s sustainable economic growth,” Al Kaabi added.

Opened in Ghayathi, Al Dhafra in 2008, Tadweer’s Al Dhafra C&D Waste Recycling Facility articulates the ambitious plans of Abu Dhabi Government to divert 75 percent of waste from landfills, and use C&D waste in the construction of vital projects across the country.