Abu Dhabi’s Waste Gets a Second Life as Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Masdar, a global leader in clean energy and green hydrogen, has partnered with Tadweer Group to develop Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project. The partnership follows the successful completion of a feasibility study demonstrating the viability of converting large-scale waste into SAF.

The innovative project will process approximately 500,000 tons of biomass and urban solid waste annually, transforming it into SAF using a hybrid production pathway. The process combines waste gasification with renewable energy-powered electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, which is then converted into SAF through established chemical processes.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: “Masdar is committed to accelerating the global energy transition through partnerships and innovative solutions. This project reinforces the UAE’s leadership in sustainable aviation and will play a key role in decarbonizing a sector vital to the nation’s economy. We look forward to delivering tangible emissions reductions in partnership with Tadweer Group.”

Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group, added: “This agreement is a pivotal step in unlocking waste as a valuable energy resource. Partnering with Masdar allows us to advance clean energy innovation by converting waste into SAF, supporting a cleaner environment and the UAE’s Net Zero ambitions. This project sets a benchmark for sustainable transformation worldwide.”

Once operational, the Abu Dhabi-based plant is expected to serve multiple markets, establishing the city as a regional hub for SAF. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel. Aviation contributed over 18% of the UAE’s GDP in 2023, highlighting the potential impact of this project on the country’s decarbonization efforts.

The initiative aligns with several national strategies, including the UAE General Policy for SAF, Abu Dhabi’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy, the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

In addition to producing sustainable fuel, the project will support Tadweer Group’s goal of diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste from landfills by 2030, creating new value chains in waste management, green hydrogen, and renewable fuels. Leveraging Masdar’s expertise in renewable energy and Tadweer Group’s capabilities in waste valorization, the project strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in clean energy innovation.