Belgian construction company Besix and Zurich-based Hitachi Zosen Inova are joining forces on a multi-million Dubai Waste-to-Energy (DWE) project.

Valued at $1.2 billion, this achievement marks an important towards completing and operating the plant, which aims to efficiently process waste and generate renewable energy, according to a statement from Besix.

Besix will oversee civil, infrastructure, fire-fighting, and ancillary works, while Hitachi Zosen Inova will handle the process-related tasks, utilising advanced technologies to convert municipal solid waste into clean energy safely and efficiently.

The DWE facility, currently in its commissioning phase, aims to reduce Dubai’s reliance on landfills and assist in achieving the city’s goal of 75% waste diversion by 2025.

With a daily waste processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes, energy production on two lines is scheduled to commence in August. The project plans to be fully operational across all five lines by Q1 2024.

Upon completion, a joint venture between HZI and Besix will provide operation and maintenance services for 35 years under an agreement with Dubai Municipality.

At its peak, the plant will process 5,666 tonnes of waste daily, equivalent to 2 million tonnes annually. This will generate 220 MW of electricity, supplying power to approximately 135,000 homes in the region.

Additionally, metals recovered from the residual ash produced during combustion will be recycled for commercial use.