Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Al Rawabi Dairy Company, the largest UAE-based dairy company, has launched Dhs50 million ground-breaking Biogas Project to produce 1.3MW electricity and 1.4MW of thermal energy besides realising an 80 per cent reduction in odour emission.

 The project will also produce 10 tonnes of organic fertiliser per day, besides extracting 150 m3 of water per day from manure to be used in agriculture irrigation. This initiative will also help protecting groundwater by reducing ammonia migration by 90 per cent.

 The company signed an agreement with ME-LE Biogas GmbH, the leading German company in biogas, on Sunday to set up the first of its kind biogas production project in the GCC region.

 The pioneering project in renewable and sustainable green energy comes in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, to be a leading nation in sustainable green solutions. The project also builds on the UAE status as the happiest nation in the Arab world, and the country’s efforts to contribute in the improvement of communities worldwide.

 Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who was present during the announcement, said that Al Rawabi’s biogas production project aligns with the UAE’s commitment to clean energy transition and best-in-class integrated waste management practices. He applauded the proactive role of national companies in supporting the country’s sustainable development goals.

 “This is one of the prime initiatives taken by a dairy company in the region. We have seen this technology around the world. Now such high-end technology comes to the livestock and dairy sector in the UAE to tackle the main challenge in the climate change. I applaud them for this initiative, as it is going to reduce the carbon emission as well as odour from the farm which is going to reduce even the complaints from the community residing in the close vicinity. At the same time it is gong to raise the percentage of renewable energy after completing the project,” he added.

 The minister also pointed out that the UAE has established a clear legislative and strategic framework to ensure a swift transition to the green economy. Developing technologies that can increase reliance on sustainable energy sources will help the nation achieve the objectives of the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030, the National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017–2050, as well as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.

 Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of Al Rawabi, said, “We have made great strides throughout our 30 years of operation. Today, we are more than just a dairy farm – we are tackling environmental issues on a regional and global scale through our technologies, innovations and partnerships with leading international companies.” The project is set to position Al Rawabi as one of the first companies in the GCC to provide advanced environmental solutions, as the company starts to produce biogas from farm waste, which will reduce odour emissions by 80 per cent; extract water for farm use, and produce heat and electrical energy, as well as high-quality concentrated fertiliser.

 Dr Ahmed Al Tigani, CEO of Al Rawabi, said, Al Rawabi has been a pioneer and same goes with this project as well. He said that the project will power important outcome, including an 80 per cent reduction in odour emissions, and the production of 1.3 MW electricity and 1.4 MW of thermal energy. The project will also produce 10 tonnes of organic fertiliser per day subsequently being treated with the developed technology in the sewage plant owned by Al Rawabi Company to extract 150 m3 of water per day from manure to be used in agriculture irrigation. The project and will protect ground water by reducing ammonia migration by 90 per cent.

 “The project will be completed within one year. The investment will return in five years,” he said.

 Speaking about the partner company, he said that the leading German company ME-LE Biogas GmbH is a pioneer in setting up biogas plants. “I have seen them setting up various projects in Europe. This is going to be similar to what they have already done in other countries.

 He stressed that the alternative energy produced through this project will fulfil 20 per cent of the company’s energy requirement.

 He said, “At present we are using about 11.6MW energy, while this project will produce 1.3MW electricity. Similarly, it will generate 1.4 MW of thermal energy. Currently we are using boilers in the processing plants that work on petrol. After completion of this project, these boilers will work on the thermal energy produced by this project.” “We may go for expansion after completion of this project,” he added.

 Al Rawabi has always been a leader in adopting environment-friendly practices and focusing on animal welfare in all its processes. The company is well known for its community outreach programs and the educational role it plays in promoting a happier and healthier society and environment.