Comments on waste to energy technologies in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The main reason that drives many developing countries to pursue waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies is that it produces energy while eliminating build-up of large quantities of wastes, at a time, when oil and gas reserves are declining. The rate of generation of municipal solid wastes (MSW) in any given country depends on many factors including economy, population, and modernization of industry and infrastructure developments. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates that has grown to be one of the Middle East's most important economic centers. UAE has also become one of the highest waste producing countries due to fast development and growth; thus, UAE pursue modern technologies to covert generated wastes into energy. In this communication, the status of ongoing waste to energy projects and WtE plants that are currently under design and construction in UAE are discussed. The need for development of WtE technologies is presented based on the literature, reports, economics and the environmental regulations.

An Empirical Investigation on Plastic Waste Issues and Plastic Disposal Strategies to Protect the Environment: A UAE Perspective

“…Assemblage waste accumulated from plastic bottles may also be utilized in A large quantity of waste may soon be converted into energy due to the pressures of the high costs of energy resources and existing resources. Shareefdeen et al [1] investigated waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies in the UAE. Paleologos et al [43] studied Abu Dhabi's potential for a new industrial typology.…”

“…The growing waste generation rate is influenced by product consumption, the changing needs of the people, the growing population, and socio-economic lifestyles. In the UAE, waste is produced at a rate of 1.76 to 2.3 kg/day per person [1]. The use of plastic has increased the burden on MSW in the UAE.…”

“…Hence, the burden on MSW will be growing in the years to come unless a potential mitigating system is devised. The burden on the MSW disposal system may be reduced by cutting down on the input flow of used plastic water bottles [1].…”