Dubai Municipality signs MoU to produce sustainable aircraft fuel

Dubai Municipality has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global companies to produce sustainable aircraft fuel at the World Governments Summit 2024.

The MoU aims to aims to transform waste management practices in Dubai through an innovative project that utilises technologies to treat mixed solid municipal waste, organic waste and green hydrogen produced from sewage treatment processes to produce sustainable aviation fuel and aligns with the UAE’s sustainability policy and approach, emphasising the country's dedication to environmental protection, resource conservation, and tackling climate change through innovative initiatives and strategies that help achieve national environmental goals.

The MoU was signed by Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, 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.

Al Hajri stressed that the collaboration will play a significant role in advancing the UAE’s national objectives by expediting carbon removal from the aviation sector and enhancing the country’s stature as a regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuel. He said: “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.'

Al Hajri further highlighted that the new project and partnership reflects the Municipality's commitment to developing comprehensive and sustainable waste management solutions, along with enhancing recycling and processing rates. He added that this will position Dubai as a more sustainable city and strengthen its global leadership in embracing sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations.

“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.” He said.

More than 4,000 participants from the public and private sectors will participate in 110 interactive sessions at World Governments Summit 2024, including 200 speakers from 85 international, regional and intergovernmental organisations including the UN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Health Organisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Arab League.