At the World Governments Summit 2024, Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with N.V.Besix S.A., Marubeni Middle East and Africa Power Limited (MAMEA), and ENOC Marketing to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
It was shared that the MoU is aimed at transforming waste management practices in Dubai through a project that utilises cutting-edge technologies to treat mixed solid municipal waste, organic waste and green hydrogen from sewage treatment processes to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Under the MoU, Dubai Municipality is required to supply a specific amount of municipal solid waste per day, which may include a combination of organic waste and green hydrogen produced from sewage treatment.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, His Excellency Saif Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, Pierre Lembrechts, General Manager at BESIX Middle East, and Wataru Ikushima, General Manager of the New Energy Business Development Department at Marubeni Middle East and Africa Power Limited.
HE Al Hajri commented: “It will also assist in the waste management operations in Dubai, aligning with the strategic targets of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, and the 2031 National Hydrogen Policy,”
Adding: “The success of the project under study, set for implementation in July 2025, hinges on having the necessary technology and essential materials within Dubai Municipality to produce SAF. These materials include waste and treat sewage water. The project will also involve several investors and other supportive and strategic partners.”
For his part, HE Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said: “As the UAE aims to supply 1% of fuel to national airlines at UAE airports using locally produced SAF by 2031, this milestone agreement with Dubai Municipality, Marubeni and BESIX brings us one step closer to producing SAF through innovative processes and the use of green energy.”
“Through this partnership, we will work closely with Dubai Municipality to transform sustainable feedstocks such as municipal solid waste to produce SAF at scale. In addition to reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, this collaboration will also help to promote a circular economy that focuses on recycling. At ENOC, we recognise the critical role that SAF plays in reducing carbon emissions drastically and will continue to advance the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative to realise a more sustainable future for all,” he said.
The MoU was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines and Group; and His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council.