São Paulo – The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, unveiled the project for the world’s first and largest plant integrating energy generation from landfill gas, solar panels and an agro project. The USD 100 million venture was announced during WETEX 2018 (picture above), the expo of the water, energy, technology and environment industries held last week in Dubai, UAE.
According to information from Utico, chosen to develop and operate the project, the plant will generate up to 16 megawatt (MW) and will supply not only the venture but also the Ras Al Khaimah power grid.
At WETEX, Utico, a UAE-based private sector utility supplier, and the Public Works and Services Department of the emirate signed an agreement to complete the project.
UTICO’s vice president and managing director, Richard Menezes, told ANBA, via email, that the power generation equipment arrived in the UAE and that construction works will begin earlier next year.
The agro project will make use of reclaimed water. “Panel cooling and cleaning water will be used for hydroponic and other cultivation, including using compost,” said Menezes. According to him, the venture should be concluded by the middle of 2020.
According to a statement released by the company, the project is in line with the UAE strategy for the energy field, which aims to reach a 50% share by clean sources in its energy matrix until 2050.
The company added that the country is planning to invest AED 600 billion (USD 163 billion) to diversify its energy sources until then. The Gulf countries, together, are planning to invest USD 252 billion in the next five years in generation, transmission and distribution projects, according to Utico.
WETEX 2018 was organized by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA). The expo had a Brazilian pavilion, which was set up and managed by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, that hosted 4 exhibiting companies from the country.
Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
