ABU DHABI, UAE, 15 April 2024: ALEC Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) announced that a joint venture between ALEC and BUTEC has secured a design-build contract for Abu Dhabi’s first waste-to-energy (WtE) plant. Making the announcement through a Press release, ALEC said the companies have partnered with the Swiss-based Hitachi Zosen Innova (HZI), a company renowned for its expertise in waste-to-energy technology, to collaborate on the construction of this project. 

Situated near the Al-Dhafra landfill, ALEC said, the ultra-large waste incineration facility will process 900,000 tons of non-recyclable waste annually over the next 30 years. ALEC said the aim of the project is to prevent the release of nearly 1.1 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions, annually. Furthermore, ALEC said, the plant will add 80MW of power generation capacity from a non-fossil fuel source. 

ALEC said the joint venture would oversee the engineering, procurement, and construction of all non-process-related activities, encompassing civil engineering; concrete and structural steel work; installation of mechanical; electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems and building services. Also, the companies would manage external works and site infrastructure development, ALEC said. 

Sean McQue, Managing Director – Construction, ALEC, said: “We are pleased to have been selected for this crucial project, highlighting our commitment to sustainable progress within the region. This Waste-to-Energy facility marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s endeavours to tackle waste management issues and diminish greenhouse gas emissions. ALEC’s proficiency, combined with BUTEC’s excellence in design-build ventures, guarantees the successful execution of this landmark initiative.”

Hani Houalla, Country General Manager, BUTEC, said: “BUTEC’s design-build expertise, coupled with ALEC’s construction capability, positions us as a strong team ready to deliver impactful infrastructure projects like Abu Dhabi’s Waste-to-Energy facility. We are proud to contribute to the UAE’s decarbonization agenda and to this significant development.”