Veolia breaks ground on Saudi waste-to-energy plant
Waste-to-energy facility will be located adjacent to the Sadara Chemical Complex and will receive waste streams from the complex, once operational
France’s Veolia has announced that it has started work for the development of a central utilities and waste management valorisation plant in the PlasChem Park of Jubail Industrial City.
The plant will be built on a design-build-own-operate model and is expected to be operation by Q3 2021. It will feature an incineration capacity of 60,000 tonnes per year, along with state-of-the-art technology and environmental compliance based on Veolia’s experience, the resource management firm said.
The commencement of the project was announced by Mustafa Mohammed Al Mahdi, CEO of Royal Commission of Jubail and Sébastien Chauvin, CEO of Veolia Middle East during an unveiling ceremony held at the development site. Upon its completion in 2021, Veolia’s sustainable waste-to-energy plant in PlasChem Park is expected to create 100 direct jobs in the country, according to the developer.
Commenting on the project, Chauvin said: “Having been present in Saudi Arabia for the last decade, we are excited to continue our contribution towards the country’s sustainability efforts with the development of our waste-to-energy plant in PlasChem Park. Once operational, the facility will be able to safely treat and produce energy from industrial waste sources that can then be offered to companies active in the industrial park.”
Meanwhile, Mahdi said this development will form the foundation for future projects once completed. “The Royal Commission of Jubail sees PlasChem Park as belonging to the whole kingdom of Saudi Arabia, not only to the Royal Commission. This project is a top priority for us and we are keen to accomplish it at the earliest and with minimal effort,” he added.
Once launched, the facility will provide a unique sustainable waste treatment solution, targeting industrial waste streams. As part of the treatment process, Veolia said it will recover energy in the form of steam for use within several industrial applications. This offer includes the provision of steam, cooling, and instrument air across the industrial park.
Veolia added that in addition to delivering a highly economical central utilities option within the PlasChem Park, the project directly falls in line and supports the country’s sustainability goals as outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.
