Tadweer, the Center of Waste Management, Abu Dhabi, launched an initiative for turning waste cooking oil into clean energy in collaboration with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.
Working with Masdar Institute, the facilities services company Khidmah and Averda Waste Management, Tadweer began the pilot phase of the project at Al Raha Gardens community in Abu Dhabi on 9 February 2016.
H.E. Eisa Saif Al Qubaisi, General Manager of Tadweer said, “We are always keen to continuously leverage our strategic partnerships in order to achieve the directives of the wise leadership. In this initiative we’ve collaborated with Masdar Institute on research related to improving the conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel. This will help greatly in promoting the implementation of our strategy, which aims to transform waste into resources that can be utilized environmentally and economically. We are dedicated to exploring and providing the most appropriate solutions for residents to dispose their waste and use the best practices in this field in an advanced and efficient manner.”
The waste cooking oil was collected at two collection points in the Al Raha Gardens and by students and volunteers from the Al Raha International School through a door-to-door campaign. The collected waste oil will then be processed by Masdar Institute to transform it into biodiesel, which will be used to power the Averda waste collection fleet, contributing to a healthier environment through reduced waste production and carbon emissions.
Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “We are delighted to partner with Tadweer, Khidmah, and Averda to collect waste cooking oil for conversion into biodiesel as part of this welcome initiative. We believe the project will not only raise awareness about the value of reusing waste, but will also show the viability of such waste oil collection campaigns for wider expansion across Abu Dhabi and the UAE.” The waste oil to biodiesel transformation will take place in the Institute’s Waste-to-Energy Lab, led by Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Isam Janajreh. In 2014 Masdar Institute and Tadweer embarked on a two-year research agreement focused on improving the process for the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using novel ultrasound reactor that was developed at the institute.
Oussama Al Natour, Director City Cleaning GCC at Averda International Company said: “We believe in giving back to the community and environment we work and live in. Biofuel recovery is another technological advancement that Averda is proud to introduce to Abu Dhabi alongside our prestigious partner Tadweer. This initiative is the result of a strategic collaboration between the environmental experts of Abu Dhabi and we are proud to be leading on this project with our strategic partners Tadweer, Masdar Institute and Khidmah. The initiative will not only lead to a better environment but it is also designed to integrate the different layers of the society and encourage them to take part in the waste oil recycling initiative and be part of a significant change.”
Processing and reusing waste cooking oil as fuel is an environmentally friendly sustainable energy solution that can contribute to targets for renewable energy uptake within the UAE and abroad. Biodiesel provides a low carbon alternative to conventional diesel fuels while helping the UAE mitigate challenges with waste disposal.
Adel Kamali, Chief Operating Officer at Khidmah, commented: “Khidmah is committed to supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals, and we were very excited to take part in this unique project, which will be tested for the first time in the Al Raha Gardens community. This initiative will eventually promote eco-friendly practices across the community and the Emirate. We will continue to partake in environmental initiatives wherever possible, and we are proud that our residents are also very supportive of this cause.”
10 February 2016
