In the heart of Dubai, a remarkable transformation is underway at one of the largest 'Energy from Waste' plants in the world. The Dubai Waste-to-Energy facility is shifting from construction to operation. A joint venture between BESIX Middle East and Hitachi Zosen Inova, named ‘Shou’alah’, will now oversee the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the facility, significantly contributing to Dubai's sustainability goals and the UAE’s vision for a greener future.
Three pillars of involvement
BESIX’s involvement in the Dubai Waste-to-Energy project spans three key domains: investment, construction, and operations. As the lead investor and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, BESIX played a crucial role in the project's initiation and construction phase. Now that this phase is closing, Shou’alah will provide O&M services for 35 years.
Shou'alah’s operational process to sustainability
Shou'alah represents a partnership with a clear mission: to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Dubai Waste-to-Energy facility. Capable of handling 1.9 million tonnes of waste annually, this facility will produce 220 MW of electricity, providing power approximately 135,000 households in the region.
The process begins with municipal solid waste delivered to a bunker. A skilled crane team feeds the waste onto the grate, and the plant's integrated control system ensures stable and efficient operation. As the waste is incinerated in one of the five incineration lines, it generates flue gas treated with advanced technology to optimise combustion and minimise pollutants like CO, NOx, and VOC. The steam produced powers a turbine, generating energy that can be fed back into the grid.
Transitioning from construction to operation
BESIX, as the EPC contractor, ensures Shou'alah's ongoing success. The final Facility Reliability Tests began mid-June and lasted 25 days. The team has been addressing remaining snags, demobilising the temporary infrastructure, and preparing for a detailed handover to the Shou’alah Operator. As of today, the Commercial Operation Date, the BESIX EPC team will progressively move out and hand over operations to Shou’alah for the next 35 years. During a one-year Defects Liability Period, the BESIX EPC team will facilitate Shou'alah's transition into full O&M management, establishing KPIs and addressing any remaining issues. As a consequence, the Dubai team is also progressively saying farewell to colleagues who are embarking onto new assignments across the region.
Subsequently, Shou'alah will assume critical responsibilities, including daily operational oversight, equipment maintenance, adherence to safety and environmental regulations, continuous monitoring of KPIs, energy optimisation, and waste stream quality management.
“Shou'alah's exceptional team, combined with BESIX's proven O&M success in various projects, creates an ideal foundation for success in managing the Dubai Waste-to-Energy facility. Their collective expertise and experience ensure the facility's operational excellence, environmental compliance, and long-term effectiveness in supporting Dubai's sustainability goals.” Eric Tranchant, Head of O&M at BESIX Invest
Fun fact
‘Shou’alah’ is an Arabic term which refers to a flame or a torch, a stick with a piece of cloth wrapped around the top, dipped in a flammable substance like paraffin, and ignited to provide light. This traditional torch has been used historically for lighting and signalling purposes.