The world’s first and largest Integrated Hybrid Landfill Gas-Solar-Agro project in Ras Al Khaimah was announced today by Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director General of the Public Works and Services Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah at the Renewable Energy Conference, part of Wetex 2018.
This is the world’s first integrated hybrid landfill gas (LFG)-solar project that–with an investment outlay of $100 million (AED367 million) will generate up to 16 megawatt (MW) power to be supplied to the customers in Ras Al Khaimah and also include an agro-product development component to make it a completely green and sustainable industry in line with the UAE Government’s vision to promote green and sustainable economy.
The agreement was signed by Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director General of Public Works and Services Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah and Mr. Richard Menezes, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Utico for developing and operating a 16 MW LFG-Solar project. Also present was Ms. Sonia Nasser, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management Authority (RAKWMA).
The project is in line with the new UAE energy strategy that aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50 percent, thus saving Dh700 billion by 2050.
Al Hammadi said this project is in line with the directives of the UAE government, as well as RAK Ruler’ directives to provide the best services to citizens and residents, as well as ensure sustainable development. Sonia Nasser said the project was envisioned over a few years and this signing ceremony is the outcome of a long drawn tendering and selection process.
Utico will develop the project and operate the project while the power offtake will be utilized by its transmission and distribution arm.
“The benefits of this project will be passed onto consumers and will be in line with the program to assist investment and investors in the UAE,” Richard Menezes, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Utico, said.
He continued: “Electricity produced will be used to power the desalination plant making it the world’s least carbon footprint desalination plant as well as its benefits will be passed onto our residential consumers as per part of our SolarFree program at lower than the current peak consumer rates.”
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