During the renewable energy conference at Wetex 2018, it was announced that UAE will see the development of the world’s first and largest Integrated Hybrid Landfill-Gas-Solar-Agro project in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE.

It was announced by Engineer Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al Hammadi, director general of the Public Works and Services Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah in collaboration with Richard Menezes, vice-chairman and managing director of Utico, in the presence of Ms Sonira Nasser, director of Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management Authority (RAKWMA).

Utico, a private-sector utility supplier will develop and operate the project, meanwhile the power offtake will be utilised by Utico’s transmission and distribution arm.

The project has an investment worth of $100 million and is expected to generate 16 MW power for RAK. The project is in line with the new UAE energy strategy which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50%, thereby saving $190.6 billion by 2050.

Richard Menezes, vice-chairman and managing director of Utico, said: “The benefits of this project will be passed onto consumers and will be in line with the programme to assist investment and investors in the UAE.”

He continued: “Electricity produced will be used to power the desalination plant making it the world’s least carbon footprint desalination plant as well as its benefits will be passed onto our residential consumers as per part of our SolarFree programme at lower than the current peak consumer rates.”

Al Hammadi said that the project is in line with the directives of the UAE government, as well as RAK Ruler’s directives to provide the best services to citizens and residents, as well as ensure sustainable development.