Masdar, Tadweer Group to develop Abu Dhabi’s 1st commercial-scale waste-to-SAF project

Photo: Masdar

Masdar, a global clean energy leader and a pioneer in green hydrogen, and Tadweer Group, a driving force in unlocking the value of waste, announced Nov. 20 the signing of a joint development agreement (JDA) to progress development of the first commercial-scale waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the plant will convert around 500,000 tons of waste into SAF per year, using a hybrid production pathway that combines renewable energy-powered electrolysis producing green hydrogen and waste gasification turning syngas into SAF through various proven chemical processes.

The signing of this agreement follows the successful completion of a study to demonstrate the viability of developing a large-scale waste-to-SAF initiative in Abu Dhabi.

“Masdar is committed to accelerating the global energy transformation through partnerships and delivering innovative solutions that meet customer needs,” said Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi. “This project will advance the UAE’s leadership in sustainable aviation, supporting the growth of a sector critical to the nation’s economic development, while driving its decarbonization. We look forward to working closely with Tadweer Group to bring this project to fruition and deliver tangible emissions reductions for the UAE and beyond.”

Ali Al Dhaheri, Tadweer Group’s managing director and CEO, added, “This agreement marks a pivotal step in Tadweer Group’s mission to unlock waste as a valuable resource with the potential to be converted to key energy resources. Partnering with Masdar, we are advancing the UAE’s leadership in clean-energy innovation by transforming waste into SAF, a vital product for maintaining a cleaner environment. Together, we are showcasing the incredible potential of waste and contributing to the nation’s net-zero ambitions, setting a benchmark for sustainable transformation worldwide.”

Once operational, the project is expected to serve multiple markets, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for SAF and supporting the decarbonization of a sector that accounted for over 18 percent of the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, according to International Air Transport Association data.

SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle-carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared with conventional jet fuel, according to IATA estimates.

The project also represents a key step toward delivering on several strategic national priorities, including the UAE general policy for SAF, Abu Dhabi’s low-carbon hydrogen policy, the national hydrogen strategy, the Abu Dhabi climate-change strategy and the UAE net-zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

By transforming waste into clean energy, the project will also contribute to Tadweer Group’s strategic ambition of diverting 80 percent of waste from Abu Dhabi landfills by 2030, and creating new value chains in waste management, green hydrogen and renewable fuels.

Building on Masdar’s extensive experience in renewable energy and hydrogen, and Tadweer Group’s expertise in unlocking the value of waste through multiple local and international partnerships, the project will reinforce the UAE’s position as a pioneer in clean-energy innovation, Masdar stated.

The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global leader in the production of low-carbon fuels, creating synergies across renewable energy, waste valorization and sustainable transport.