Anniversary Interview
One Year of Waste to Energy in Dubai: A Landmark Achievement for the Region
In August 2024, Kanadevia Inova’s Waste to Energy plant in Dubai officially began commercial operations. As one of the largest and most advanced facilities of its kind worldwide, it marks a significant milestone in the United Arab Emirates’ energy and environmental strategy.
In this interview, Roni Araiji, Country President UAE at Kanadevia Inova, and Thomas Feilenreiter, EVP of Systems & Service Solutions at Kanadevia Inova, reflect on the plant’s first year of operation and share their vision for the future of sustainable energy in the region.
A year has passed since commissioning. What does this anniversary mean to you?
Roni Araiji:
The commissioning of this plant marked a milestone achievement, not just for Kanadevia Inova, but for the entire region. It’s the first facility of its scale in Dubai that actively contributes to both sustainable waste management and energy generation. One year on, we are already witnessing tangible impacts: reduced strain on landfills, a dependable source of renewable energy, and increasing public and institutional support for sustainable technologies.
On a personal level, I feel a deep sense of pride each time I walk through the facility. When I guide visitors through the site, I see firsthand how powerful it is to show what Kanadevia Inova has achieved. It’s more than infrastructure; it’s a testament to innovation, collaboration, and commitment to a more sustainable future.
Thomas Feilenreiter:
From a technical standpoint, the first year was crucial. Our goal was to demonstrate that our system not only works in the Gulf region’s climate, but also performs more reliably than expected. Operational performance has been above average. This is a success we owe to smart engineering and our dedicated O&M team. Kanadevia Inova is fully responsible for operations and maintenance. We ensure that the facility runs efficiently around the clock, supported by a local team and digital tools from our global competence centers.
How has the plant been received by policymakers, the public, and potential investors?
Roni Araiji:
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The government views the facility as a flagship project within the framework of its “Net Zero 2050” strategy, clear evidence that sustainability is not just a policy ambition, but a reality in action.
We’re also seeing a notable shift in public perception. Waste is no longer viewed purely as a burden; it’s increasingly recognized as a valuable resource that can drive innovation and energy independence. This change in mindset is important for building long-term support.
From an investment perspective, the project has sparked strong interest. It stands as a model of what’s possible when technology, policy, and environmental responsibility are aligned.
Thomas Feilenreiter:
We’ve noticed that in the attention the plant is attracting — from international delegations, universities, and the media. There are many site visits, and people are often surprised by how clean, efficient, and quiet the plant is in operation. It’s changing the image of “waste incineration” in a fundamental way.
What makes the plant’s technology stand out?
Thomas Feilenreiter:
We use a five-line grate combustion system, customized specifically for Dubai’s requirements: high temperatures, variable waste composition and fluctuating moisture levels. The energy recovery is highly efficient. In theoretical terms, the plant supplies electricity to over 100,000 households.
And with our three-stage flue gas cleaning system, we achieve emission levels well below the strict EU thresholds.
Roni Araiji:
What sets this plant apart is not just its scale, but the advanced technology that underpins its performance, high-efficiency combustion, state-of-the-art flue gas treatment, and integrated energy recovery systems. These features ensure that we meet the highest environmental standards while maximizing the energy output from waste.
Because of this, the plant has become a regional benchmark. Cities like Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Cairo face similar challenges: rapid urbanization, shrinking landfill capacity, and growing energy needs. This facility offers a proven model for how to address those pressures in a sustainable and scalable way.
A project of this scale surely comes with challenges. How did the first year play out in practice?
Thomas Feilenreiter:
The ramp-up phase was, of course, intense. We had to fine-tune processes, train staff, and calibrate numerous technical details. Thanks to thorough preparation and a strong team on site, we transitioned into regular operations faster than planned.
Roni Araiji:
A project of this scale naturally came with its share of challenges, from complex logistics and tight timelines to ensuring seamless integration with local infrastructure. But what truly made the difference was the strong partnership we had on the ground.
The trust and support of our local partners were absolutely vital. Dubai’s authorities were highly constructive throughout the entire process. Permitting was efficient, and there was a clear, shared commitment to making this a flagship project for the region. That spirit of collaboration helped us overcome obstacles and turn a complex vision into a successful reality.
Looking ahead, what are the next major steps for Kanadevia Inova in the region?
Roni Araiji:
We’re currently constructing another state-of-the-art facility in Abu Dhabi, building on the same proven technology but with expanded combustion capacity to meet growing demand. In parallel, we’re actively exploring additional opportunities across the Middle East.
The momentum is clear. Countries across the region are seeking sustainable, scalable solutions, and Dubai has already shown that our model delivers real results. At Kanadevia Inova, we see ourselves as long-term partners, not just technology providers.
Our mission goes beyond delivering infrastructure. We’re committed to creating local value, through skills development, job creation, and strategic partnerships. That’s how we aim to support the region’s broader transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Thomas Feilenreiter:
We also plan to expand our O&M model to upcoming projects, such as the one in Abu Dhabi.
We’re placing a stronger focus on digital services. For example, predictive maintenance and energy yield optimization. This allows us to increase both efficiency and operational reliability to a new level.
One final question: What are your hopes for the coming year?
Roni Araiji:
I’m optimistic that we will continue to play a key role in shaping sustainable infrastructure throughout this dynamic region. Our goal is to inspire more projects that prioritize innovation, environmental responsibility, and long-term value, helping to build a cleaner, more resilient future for the Middle East.
Thomas Feilenreiter:
And I hope we’ll have more opportunities to apply our expertise—not just in building new plants, but also in operating existing ones and optimizing systems. What we’ve learned in Dubai can have global impact. One year of Waste-to-Energy in Dubai isn’t just an operational anniversary. It is a symbol of the change and progress that modern technology can drive in the transformation of an entire region.