BESIX expertise
The nominations recognise BESIX’s deep expertise in complex, sustainable and socially valuable projects, as well as its ability to deliver high-performance outcomes through effective collaboration between public and private sectors.
The four nominated projects are:
- Aquafin’s Sludge Mono-Treatment Plant (Ghent, Belgium)
- Khalifa University Student Accommodation PPP Project (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
- Zayed City School PPP Augmentation (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
- De Werkvennootschap (R4 West and East ring road project in Ghent, Belgium)
1. Aquafin Sludge Mono-Treatment Plant (Belgium)
Category: Best Utilities Project
This state-of-the-art facility in the port of Ghent represents a major milestone in sustainable waste treatment, transforming sewage sludge into renewable energy and significantly reducing environmental impact. Water treatment company Aquafin entrusted the design, build, financing, maintenance and operation until 2046 to the BESIX-Indaver consortium.
FOSTER, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up by Indaver and BESIX for this purpose, started construction in October 2024. As from 2027, the plant will recover energy from the sewage sludge of 4 million inhabitants, for reuse on site. Two-thirds of all sewage sludge in Flanders will be processed here.
2. Khalifa University Student Accommodation PPP Project (UAE)
Category: Best Social Infrastructure Project
This pioneering public-private partnership in Abu Dhabi (UAE) delivers high-quality student housing for Khalifa University, one of the region’s most prestigious academic institutions. It is the largest PPP of its kind in the Middle East, setting a benchmark for student-centric PPPs in the region.
The project includes a 23-year concession to design, build, finance and maintain 3,260 student rooms and communal facilities located across Khalifa University’s Main Campus and its Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus. It was awarded to KUnnected Living, a consortium led by Plenary Group, BESIX Group and Mazrui International. The financial close was reached in August 2024. Construction is scheduled for completion in time to welcome residents in winter 2026.
3. Zayed City Schools PPP augmentation - Khalifa City School (UAE)
Category: Best Education and Higher Education Project
The Zayed City Schools PPP augmentation – Khalifa City School project was procured using an augmentation procurement framework within the existing Zayed City Schools public-private partnership (PPP) project. Led by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the BESIX-Plenary Group consortium, the design and use of this framework to procure school infrastructure marks a first for the region.
The augmentation comprises the design, build, finance, and 18-year operation and maintenance of a new campus, which will accommodate 3,380 students in Khalifa City. Early works commenced in July 2024, with construction underway. The school is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 academic year.
4. De Werkvennootschap - R4 West-East Ring Road project (Belgium)
Category: Public Sector Promoter of the Year
As part of its involvement with De Werkvennootschap, the Flemish agency driving large-scale mobility infrastructure, BESIX is proud to contribute to the R4 West and East project that reshape the urban landscape and improve connectivity for millions around Ghent (Belgium).
The new R4 will connect environment, people and nature. The project will make traffic on the R4 smoother and safer, and the surrounding neighbourhoods quieter and more accessible. De Werkvennootschap entrusted the DBFM contract (Design, Build, Finance, Maintenance), including the maintenance for 30 years, to the BRAVO4 consortium in an integrated manner. The consortium is made up of BESIX, EPICo, I4B – The Belgian Infrastructure Fund, RID PPP and Stadsbader.
Integrated approach
These four projects, spanning two continents, exemplify BESIX’s fully integrated approach to public-private partnerships, blending financial innovation with technical rigour and operational excellence over the long term.
Pierre Sironval, CEO of BESIX Group: “These nominations are a tribute to our people, our partners, and our strong belief in the power of public-private collaboration to solve complex societal challenges. Whether it’s clean energy, smart mobility or social infrastructure, BESIX is proud to bring its solid expertise – from equity partner, to EPC and O&M – to projects that truly matter for communities.”
The Partnership Awards 2025 will be held on 1 May 2025 in London, bringing together global leaders in infrastructure and investment. BESIX looks forward to the event and to continuing to shape resilient, inclusive, and future-proof communities through world-class PPP delivery.