Facility first of its kind in world to be 90% solar-powered
The Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) recently 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 the facility’s carbon footprint, Al Dhafra C&D Waste Recycling Facility, the first of its kind in the world to be 90% solar-powered, is aligned with the country’s ambitious plans to mitigate climate change.
With completion of the second phase, Tadweer, in close coordination with the investor of Al Dhafra C&D Waste Recycling Facility, has significantly enhanced the facility’s solar energy utilization by increasing its capacity to 600KWH, up by 350KWH.
In addition to enhancing the facility’s operational efficiency, the increased capacity will help lower its carbon footprint by avoiding more than 1,300T of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 4,133 trees, and saving 480,000L 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, Tadweer installed 1,656 solar cells at an area covering 11,000sqm, 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 liters. This will help prevent an average of 1,300 tons of carbon emission per year.
“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,” remarked Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General, Tadweer,
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% of waste from landfills, and use C&D waste in the construction of vital projects across the country.
