Shifting perspectives: How waste has a role to play in alternative and sustainable energy

By Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tadweer Group

As the world races to meet the global warming limit of 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, one point is certain- we cannot continue business as usual. The internationally-recognised World Environment Day is a stark reminder that we must proactively drive change, particularly as temperatures continue to rise.

There is an opportunity before us: viewing waste as an alternative and sustainable source of energy to be harnessed. Here’s how, and why, this is fundamental to our future.

Waste is an important resource which can be transformed into valuable sources of energy such as biofuel, hydrogen, graphene, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and much more. Let’s take waste to energy as an example. In 2023 alone, the waste to energy market size reached $ 42.6 billion, showcasing the increased importance and potential placed on this important industry. This also contributes to electricity and heat generation. By implementing waste to energy practices which produce electricity and heat generation, among other crucial resources, we can diversify the energy mix, reducing dependency on environmentally damaging fossil fuels which we continue to actively use globally. This also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including responsible consumption and clean energy, providing long-term, renewable resources. This is also the main objective behind Tadweer Group’s waste to energy plant, to be developed this year with the support of partners.

The rise in urbanisation and population growth has also led to increased waste generation. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), by 2050, municipal waste is set to increase by two-thirds, with its cost almost doubling. We must reduce waste growth by shifting towards circular economy models and extending the lifetime of our material. This showcases the need to prioritise re-imagining its value, starting from our own homes.

We also can’t overlook the role advanced technology plays in the equation. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF can contribute as much as 65% to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. By investing in accelerated technological solutions, we can achieve this target and adapt this mindset to producing other remarkable alternative resources such as graphene. Graphene is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum. With these properties, graphene has applications in the energy, construction, health, and electronics sectors and can even make electronic devices more accessible for everyone. Levidian, a UK based climate leader, has developed its own technology for this very purpose: creating graphene and hydrogen from waste. This technology is coming to the UAE, with Tadweer Group’s support. We have the key to success at our fingertips; by combining advanced technology with waste as a sustainable resource, there is ample opportunity for what we can achieve – we can even create biofuel from used cooking oil.

At the heart of technology advancements are investments and partnerships. Organisations need to work closely with experts to prioritise a change in behaviour and mindset, and invest in a long-term solution to reach net zero targets. By looking at waste as the valuable resource it is, we can collectively drive positive change for generations to come.