February 27, 2013, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - TAQA, the global energy company based in Abu Dhabi, has invited companies to submit qualifications ahead of tendering the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the UAE's first waste-to-energy plant.

The waste-to-energy power plant will receive approximately 1,000,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste a year and convert it into 100 megawatts of alternative power, enough energy to power more than 20,000 households in Abu Dhabi. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2016/17.

Waste-to-energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy and one of the most efficient ways to treat municipal solid waste. TAQA's waste-to-energy facility is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 1,000,000 tonnes per year when both the avoided landfill emissions and the avoided use of fossil fuel in power generation are taken into account.

The request for qualifications follows the completion of the pre-feasibility study and Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2012 with The Centre of Waste Management Abu Dhabi for the joint development of the facility. TAQA expects to award the EPC contract in Q4 2013.

Dr Saif Al Sayari, Executive Officer and Head of the Energy Solutions division, commented, "Our track record in developing and operating power plants across the world, combined with our international relationships with joint venture partners and financial institutions, positions us well to lead the development of this pioneering project. We see this as a launch pad for future waste-to-energy projects in the region and for TAQA to be the pre-eminent developer and operator."

Dr Al Sayari added: "The development of sustainable energy and waste infrastructure technologies, as well as diversion of waste from landfills, are goals identified in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030. We are proud to work alongside the Government of Abu Dhabi and The Centre of Waste Management Abu Dhabi to provide a solution to the increasing volume of waste produced each year in the capital."

TAQA has appointed Roger Anderson as Technical Manager for TAQA's waste-to-energy plant. Mr Anderson has nearly 40 years' experience at Wheelabrator, a leading global waste-to-energy developer. TAQA has also appointed Ramboll Group A/S to advise on engineering and WS Atkins PLC to advise on environmental permitting and waste characterisation. HSBC has been selected as financial advisor while Linklaters has been appointed legal advisor.

TAQA is the largest independent power producer in the MENA region, with power operations in seven countries and a total gross power generation capacity of 15,413 MW.

About TAQA
Established in 2005, TAQA is a diversified international energy group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: TAQA).

TAQA's business is made up of three operating divisions spread across the entire energy value chain: power generation & water desalination; oil and gas exploration & production; and emerging & alternative energy technologies.

Power & Water: TAQA is one the largest independent power producers in the world and the majority owner of the facilities that provide 98% of the water and electricity requirements in Abu Dhabi. TAQA's power plants are located in the UAE, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, India, and USA.

Oil & Gas: with operations in Canada, UK, the Netherlands, USA and Iraq, TAQA's oil and gas business includes exploration and production, underground gas storage and pipeline transportation.

Emerging & alternative energy technologies: TAQA Energy Solutions is dedicated to alternative and technology-driven energy initiatives for long-term efficient energy production and generation. 

TAQA's vision is to deliver 'Energy for Growth': growth within the business; social and economic progress in the communities where TAQA operates; and increased value for our shareholders.

Over the past 40 years the UAE and Abu Dhabi have pursued a vision embodied by progressive development, investment and the highest global standards. TAQA is proud to align its strategy both domestically and globally to Abu Dhabi's economic vision 2030, working towards sustainable economic development. 

For more information about TAQA visit: www.taqaglobal.com or Twitter: @TAQAGLOBAL

Contact Information:
Abu Dhabi
Taryam Al Subaihi
Head of External Relations
Tel +971 2 691 4803
Mob + 97156 219 5195

Allan Virtanen
Head of Media
Tel +971 2 691 4894
Mob +971 56 685 2717
Allan.Virtanen@taqaglobal.com

© Press Release 2013