The Centre of Waste Management in Abu Dhabi, Tadweer, on Tuesday announced the signing of five new contracts, worth AED165 million, for waste management investment projects in Abu Dhabi with leading firms in the waste sector.

The total capital of these projects will be funded by the investors.

The contracts were made public at the CWM-Tadweer booth at the EcoWASTE Exhibition, which is being held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The new contracts highlight upcoming waste management projects in the capital and are expected to generate significant employment opportunities.

Commenting on the announcement, Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of CWM-Tadweer, said, "Tadweer is very pleased to announce these new projects, that are in line with Abu Dhabi’s government master plan related to sustainability and environmental conservation. The new projects will greatly contribute to sustainable waste management and environmental protection by treatment of hazardous waste, reducing landfill waste and reducing greenhouse gas, GHG, emissions. These landmark contracts will enable CWM-Tadweer to fulfil its commitment of ensuring a safe and sustainable future for upcoming generations."

CWM-Tadweer signed a contract with Green Energy Solutions and Sustainability LLC for the first landfill gas-to-energy investment project in the Middle East at Al Dhafra Landfill. The project will prevent the release of GHG from landfills into the atmosphere. It is expected to be commissioned to produce about 5 MW of power by September 2018 and will be registered with the Clean Development Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for carbon credit.

CWM-Tadweer also awarded two new contracts to Ramky and BRS Ventures Joint Venture for medical and hazardous waste incineration projects in Abu Dhabi, and a contract to CleanCo in Al Ain. The facilities in Abu Dhabi will be able to treat about 15,000 tonnes per annum, while the Al Ain facility will treat some 3,000 tonnes per annum. Both projects will be operational by the end of 2018.

Dr. BR Shetty, Chairman of BRS Ventures, noted, "Having spent more than 40 years in Abu Dhabi, I am honoured to receive this opportunity from CWM that allows me to contribute to the Abu Dhabi environment, along with my long-term associate Ramky."

Allan Ayodhya Ramireddy, Chairman of Ramky Group, said, "We are committed to a long-term association with CWM, along with our partners, BRS Ventures, as we contribute to the sustainable development of UAE and the region."

This year, CWM-Tadweer will also be working with Blue Al Serkal for recycling used cooking oil to produce biodiesel and fatty acids, which in turn will be used for manufacturing soap. The facility is expected to collect and treat about 20,000 litres of used cooking oil per day from hotels, restaurants and commercial kitchens.

Saeed Al Mehairbi, Acting General Manager of CWM-Tadweer, added, "Since its inception, CWM-Tadweer has made remarkable progress in creating and implementing safe and effective waste management strategies. This year being the Year of Zayed, and with the awarding of these new high-value investment contracts, we are confident that it will help further raise the standard of waste management in Abu Dhabi and generate significant employment opportunities in the Abu Dhabi waste sector."