UK Levidian and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have announced an agreement to tackle emissions from one of Abu Dhabi’s largest landfill sites.
Twenty per cent of global methane emissions come from landfill waste, and the two highlighted that the “effective management” of global waste is set to play a pivotal role in achieving a circular economy.
The companies shared that they are working closely on a “first-of-its-kind pilot” to install Levidian’s LOOP technology, to strip the carbon from gas produced by organic waste and store it in high-quality graphene, a material that is 200 times more resistant than steel.
The device will also produce a hydrogen-rich blend gas that will be used to generate clean electricity on-site.
It is estimated that the LOOP device will deliver a reduction in emissions of around 40 per cent while supporting further upstream carbon savings through the addition of graphene to increase the performance of materials such as concrete, batteries and polymers.
If successful, the pilot could be scaled up to strip the carbon from an estimated 1.2 billion cubic metres of landfill gas over the next ten years.
Commenting on this, Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer, said: “The installation of decarbonisation technology is a critical part of our journey as we work towards our strategic vision for sustainable waste management. With COP28’s focus on the circular economy, it’s more important now than ever for Tadweer to become a leader in this area, alongside partners such as Levidian, as we create the foundations for a sustainable future.”
John Hartley, CEO of Levidian, added: “One of the biggest challenges in tackling emissions from landfill sites isn’t the technology, it’s the cost. The utilisation of Levidian’s LOOP technology will allow Tadweer to clean up emissions while creating a revenue stream from the production of hydrogen and graphene that will ensure that the project pays for itself.
“This project is so important because it demonstrates the full circularity of LOOP’s technology, whilst tackling one of the hardest to abate sectors globally. We are also delighted to be growing our partnerships in the UAE, as the region becomes ever more vital to reaching net zero worldwide.”