- First time that landfill gas is converted to generate 1MW electricity in the region; in line with Dubai Municipality's vision to generate 20 MW of power from landfill gas by 2020
- Fully registered with UN, the large-scale CDM project underlines Dubai's focus on sustainable development
- Initiative will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to over 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- Project development, design and construction by Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC with GE's Jenbacher gas engine deployed on site to generate power
Dubai, UAE; July 29, 2013: At 9.30 PM on Monday (July 29, 2013), Dubai marked a historic moment in its evolution as one of region's most sustainable cities. Eng. Hussain Nassir Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, formally unveiled the first of its kind project in the Middle East, where landfill gas was used to completely power the internal requirements of the Al Qusais Landfill.
Underlining the 'green economy for sustainable development' vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the landfill gas recovery system at Dubai Municipality's Al Qusais Landfill site generates 1 Megawatt (1,000 Kilowatts) of power that will meet all its requirements.
Fully registered with the United Nations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the large-scale Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to about 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. In due course, the system is expected to generate 20 MW of power from landfill gas by 2020.
Eng. Hussain Nassir Lootah said: "This is a significant milestone in Dubai's journey towards being a sustainable city and is inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to undertake initiatives that conserve our environment. With Dubai's bid to host the World Expo 2020 going full steam ahead, we are further highlighting our leadership in creating innovative solutions for the future through the project. This 20/20 project is set to produce 20MW of power by the turn of the decade."
He added: "The project is line with our vision to 'create an excellent city that provides the essence of success and comfort of sustainable living.' It is executed in partnership with the private sector, further highlighting our city's commitment to promoting collaborative initiatives that contribute to the welfare of the people. The project also complements the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to explore alternative energy sources that will reduce the demand on the existing power grid, while protecting the environment."
The Al Qusais Landfill is one of the largest sites for municipal waste collection in Dubai, which receives about 5,000 tons daily. With the decomposition of the municipal waste, landfill sites emit harmful gases, comprising about 55 percent methane and 45 percent carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases contribute to environmental degradation, in addition to the discomfort to people owing to the odour of the gases emitted.
To address GHG emissions, reduce physical discomfort, and to set a model by tapping the potential of landfill gases for electricity generation, Dubai Municipality worked with Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC, a specialist organization in the sector based in Dubai, for the project's design, construction and implementation.
The landfill gas recovery system operates the flares by utilizing GE's Jenbacher gas engine -- the first to be deployed for a landfill gas application in the GCC region - to generate 1 MW (1,000 kW) of power. This is now being used to operate the Hofstetter Umwelttechnik AG high efficiency gas conversion and flare equipment installed at the site. This is the first Jenbacher engine, which is certified to GE's ecomagination initiative, which focuses on increasing energy efficiency in a resource-constrained world.
The gas collection system implemented by Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability for Dubai Municipality collects landfill gas through an intricately laid network of horizontal and vertical pipes. The collected gas is flared with a small portion utilized for power in the initial phase. The Hofstetter high efficiency flare safely disposes the flammable constituents of landfill gas, particularly methane. The design and construction implemented on the Al Qusais landfill manages odours, and reduces health risks fire and adverse environmental impacts.
Anita Nouri, Business Development Director and Project Manager of Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability Solutions LLC, said: "We are thankful to Dubai Municipality for the opportunity to be part of this landmark project that sets a first in the GCC region. The engineering design of the gas collection system is unique as it keeps the landfill active to optimize the gas and power potential. We will work to achieve Dubai Municipality's 20/20 vision, which will clearly demonstrate the city's thought leadership in promoting environmental sustainability."
Nabil Habayeb, President & CEO, GE Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, said: "In today's resource-constrained world, it is extremely important that we look at alternative sources to generate electricity, and reduce the pressure of increasing demand on the existing power grid. Dubai Municipality's initiative is truly a model for the region, and a significant step in addressing the challenge of urban waste management, while generating power to meet developmental requirements. The project builds on our strong history of operations in the UAE, and our focus to bring our ecomagination certified products to boost sustainable growth."
The Al Qusais Landfill site is spread over an area of about 3.5 square kilometres and has been receiving municipal solid waste for more than two decades. Construction work for the landfill gas project started in January 2012, with horizontal and vertical gas wells being drilled some 22 metres deep into the waste to extract the landfill gas.
Dubai Municipality's Waste Management Department has an integrated approach to waste management in the Emirate, and has rolled out several sustainable practices aimed at conserving the environment and promoting the social well-being and health of residents.
Kelly Home
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
[email protected]
+971 4 4507 600
Nivine William
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
[email protected]
+971 4 4507 600
Caroline Wehbeh
GE Communications Leader, North Africa
[email protected]
+971 4 429 6318