Dubai’s Warsan Waste-to-Energy plant has achieved full commercial operation, a major step expected to boost the UAE’s drive toward sustainability.
Led by BESIX Group in partnership with Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), Dubai Municipality, and other key players, the $1.1 billion project aims to convert thousands of tonnes of municipal solid waste into clean energy, making it a cornerstone of Dubai’s waste management strategy.
The plant, located in the Warsan area, processes 5,666 tonnes of municipal waste per day, generating 220 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 135,000 homes.
Alongside producing renewable energy, the facility repurposes residual ash from the incineration process for use in the cement industry, reducing the need for raw materials, and recycles metals, contributing to Dubai’s circular economy goals.
BESIX, the main contractor and industrial equity provider, will oversee operations and maintenance of the facility for the next 35 years.
“This project sets a global benchmark for waste-to-energy projects, combining innovative technology with strong public-private collaboration,” said Tim Clarke, CEO of the Warsan Waste Management Company, which manages the plant.
He added that nearly 45% of Dubai’s total waste goes to the facility, which has been operational since March.
The project was executed in partnership with Dubai Municipality, Dubai Holding, DUBAL, Tech Group, and Japan’s ITOCHU. Hitachi Zosen Inova provided advanced waste-to-energy technology, making the Warsan plant one of the most efficient in the world. “It is a significant achievement not just for Dubai, but for sustainable development globally,” Clarke added.
The Warsan facility’s journey to full operation began in June 2023 when H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince, inaugurated the plant after its first successful fire.
By July 2023, the plant had synchronised with the UAE’s national grid, supplying the first batch of renewable energy.
The final incineration lines came online in November 2023, and by March 2024, BESIX completed all construction activities.
The project attracted international attention, including a visit by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who toured the facility during the COP28 event in Dubai.
Dubai’s Warsan plant is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to reduce landfill waste and harness renewable energy. Waste-to-energy technology is gaining traction in the UAE as a critical tool for meeting national sustainability goals, particularly as the country seeks to divert 75% of its waste from landfills by 2030.
The UAE’s National Energy Strategy 2050 aims to generate 50% of its energy from clean sources, positioning waste-to-energy as an essential part of the mix.
BESIX has been at the forefront of these efforts. The company’s growing portfolio in the region includes projects like the Ajman Sludge-to-Energy facility and the Emirates Refuse Derived Fuel project in Umm Al Quwain, underscoring its commitment to sustainable urban solutions.
Globally, waste-to-energy is viewed as a reliable method for reducing landfill waste and generating renewable power. In Dubai, where rapid urbanisation is increasing waste production, the Warsan facility offers a scalable solution.
Experts suggest that waste-to-energy projects could offset the environmental damage caused by traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling and open burning, both of which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The transformation of waste into energy follows a three-step process: first, waste is incinerated; second, the heat produced is used to generate steam; and third, this steam powers a turbine, producing electricity.
While this method has been employed for over a century, today’s advanced facilities offer better control over emissions. Using flue gas treatment systems, modern plants can effectively filter out harmful pollutants, ensuring that toxic substances are captured before they can be released into the atmosphere.
Despite its potential, the technology faces challenges, including high capital costs, the need for strong regulatory frameworks, and concerns over emissions. However, modern facilities like Warsan are equipped with stringent environmental safeguards to mitigate these issues, according to company officials.
With the plant reaching full operational capacity, it is expected to serve as a model for future projects in the UAE and beyond, demonstrating how cities can effectively reduce waste, generate clean energy, and foster a circular economy.
