In April 2024 it was announced that the integrated joint venture (JV) between ALEC Engineering & Contracting (ALEC) and BUTEC had been selected to build a waste-to-energy (WtE) plant in Abu Dhabi. The project is being driven by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) – Al Bihouth Waste to Energy Developer Holding Co Ltd – which is a consortium comprising Hitachi Zosen Inova, Marubeni, JOIN and TADWEER.

The plant will be the first facility of its kind in the UAE’s capital, with the ultra-large incineration facility being developed to process 900,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually over the next 30 years. Located near the Al-Dhafra landfill, the project aims to prevent the release of nearly 1.1m tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions annually. In addition, the plant is expected to add 80MW of power generation capacity from a non-fossil fuel source.

Per the terms of the deal, the ALEC BUTEC JV will oversee the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of all non-process-related activities, encompassing works such as civil engineering, concrete and structural steel work, installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as building services. The JV will also manage external works and site infrastructure development.

Here, Big Project Middle East speaks to Craig Griffin, Operations Manager – Construction at ALEC about the UAE’s WtE market, the project’s vision and its delivery.

• What is the vision that Al Bihouth Waste to Energy Developer Holding has for this project?

The vision for the project is to continue the emirate’s goal to become greener and more energy efficient whilst reducing its reliance upon carbon fuels. The plant when fully operational shall dispose of 900,000t of waste from Abu Dhabi, which in turn generates enough power to supply approximately 50,000 homes. This will also eliminate carbon emission emissions equivalent to1.1m tons or 240,000 cars on the roads.

• What are some of the key goals that the client has outlined for this WtE project?

As you would expect, it is to complete the works as per the time requirements and quality standards required with the highest safety standards being maintained at all times. All of this is to be done in an open environment where everyone can speak freely and all act in the benefit of the project.

Craig Griffin, Operations Manager – Construction at ALEC

• What is ALEC’s perception of the UAE’s WtE market, and do you anticipate seeing a greater number of these projects announced in the coming years?

The Abu Dhabi Waste to Energy Plant will be the third plant producing energy from waste in the UAE. This follows the successful completion of the Sharjah project, as well as the recently opened plant in Dubai. With the UAE’s goal of greener and more efficient energy production, and its policy on diverting 75% of waste from landfills, WTE projects assist with all of these targets.

With regards to future projects, yes in our opinion this will not be the final project within the UAE. There are other emirates and opportunities for expansion of the market within the country, which can benefit from generating power from waste and reducing the necessity for landfills.

• Outline ALEC’s expertise on waste to energy projects and/or similar projects and share what learnings ALEC will take from those other projects to ensure it is successfully delivered?

ALEC brings its expertise in large complex projects requiring detailed planning and coordination, along with the knowledge and experience BUTEC gained from their previous WTE plant which was completed in Sharjah.

The key to the success of this project is the interaction between all parties of the EPC to ensure that milestone dates for the handover of specific areas are achieved. This will involve monitoring all activities in line with the agreed timelines to ensure follow on activities can start for process equipment installation. We also aim for the early appointment of subcontractors to allow the preparation of drawings and materials to ensure everything is ready ahead of time for installation.

• How did ALEC come to win this project and what are its timelines? Which divisions of ALEC will be involved in this project’s delivery?

We became involved in the project through our JV with BUTEC. BUTEC were involved with the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant and were contacted by Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) about the opportunity of participating in the Abu Dhabi project. So, with the ALEC BUTEC partnership already in place, it created the perfect opportunity for us all to participate.

There has been quite a long tender and adjudication process with the initial tender being released in mid-2022. The tender has involved an incredible amount of work being completed on the design by both HZI and ALEC BUTEC JV, the civil elements of this are dependent upon the facility’s process design being completed to allow the correct allowances to be made. But this has given us a good insight into what needs to be constructed and allowed for detailed planning to take place.

The ALEC BUTEC JV will execute the project using ALEC’s expertise in the civil works and BUTEC’s expertise in the engineering and MEP works. Once financial close is achieved, the construction period will take 36 months to complete. Civil works will take approximately 12 months with phased handover of various areas, which allows for the mechanical process equipment installation to commence by HZI in the required sequence.

• What is the scope of services/project delivery that ALEC will undertake for the Abu Dhabi WtE project?

As the EPC contractor along with HZI, ALEC and its JV partner BUTEC are responsible for the design and approval of all civil activities on site. This includes all reinforced concrete works in addition to the construction of any non-process buildings and workshops.

The roads and utilities infrastructure to the project site are also part of our scope of work. Internally all MEP installations relating to power and lighting and any ELV infrastructure also fall under this remit. The JV is also responsible for the management and maintenance of the site for the duration of the works, including all temporary power and water.

• What are some of the challenges that ALEC anticipates it will encounter on this project, and how will these be tackled?

As with all projects there will be challenges. These are generally linked to the design and changes that must be implemented as the works are proceeding. With the WtE project being an EPC contract, we are in control of the design for our elements of work so this should eliminate the necessity for change.

What will no doubt aid our ability to overcome any challenges is the knowledge and experience that HZI brings. They have constructed numerous facilities, and their design is highly advanced. This is due to the amount of detail that was prepared and finalised through the tender process. In addition to this we have a pre-construction phase where we have planned all design activities in line with the necessary design approvals from ADM and in turn linking this to the programme of works.

• What are some of the project’s key sustainability focused elements during construction? Will ALEC be involved in post construction operations of the facility, and if so, what efficiency is the project being designed for?

With the entire project being related to sustainable energy and environmentally-friendly production of power, we have always tried to ensure that the design is as efficient as possible. Whilst ensuring compliance with construction regulations, the quantity of rebar and concrete has been optimised as much as possible to further reduce the carbon footprint of the project.

We will be implementing our usual practices for re-cycling waste as per the ESTIDAMA Pearl rating systems applicable to the project requirements as the project progresses. In conjunction with this, we are maximising our utilisation of locally sourced materials.

The ALEC BUTEC JV will not be part of the operations and maintenance of the facility once it has been completed, this will fall under the remit of Hitachi Zosen Inova.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The ‘first’ highway in Angola, Africa will be built by contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The project will span 1,400km with costs estimated to be approximately US $2.5bn, however an expected completion date has yet to be announced.

The country’s inaugural highway – which was first approved as a public/private partnership funding scheme in 2020 – will link the northern and southern regions of Angola, including connections with neighbouring Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, said a report.

The provinces that are expected to see expanded infrastructure include Cunene, Zaire, and Cabinda. Bridge works are also expected to link Zaire and Angola’s Cabinda enclave.

Initial studies for the project will start later this summer with construction work expected to begin in late 2025/2026.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi Data and AI Authority has announced the launch of a range of technical infrastructure expansion projects, as well as a suite of new data centres in Riyadh.

The data centres reflect the Saudi government’s move to make state-of-the-art data collection, storage and analysis a key priority. The initiatives for building enlarged technical infrastructure are the first of their kind in the Kingdom, and are aimed at accelerating the acquisition of relevant knowledge-sets and resources.

Speaking at the launch, Saudi Data and AI Authority President, Dr Abdullah Al Ghamdi, explained that these initiatives are part of its strategy to develop sustainable data centres built according to the best global practices and standards set by the UPTIME Institute, the global authority on data centre evaluation and classification.

The cluster of new data centers boast an electrical capacity of up to 65 kilowatts per cabin and feature highly efficient electrical and mechanical systems.

Meanwhile, the launch event was attended by senior officials responsible for the planning and roll-out of the new programmes, including Dr Essam bin Abdullah Al-Waqit, the Director of the National Information Center.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sport have together announced the unveiling of the designs and plans for the King Salman Stadium – slated to be one of the world’s largest sports arenas.

Situated in northern Riyadh along King Salman Road next to King Abdulaziz Park, the stadium is near vital city sites such as King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh Metro station, and major roadways, ensuring easy access from all parts of the city. The stadium will serve as the Saudi national team’s main headquarters and will host a spectrum of major sporting events and activities.

Covering over 660,000sqm, King Salman Stadium will be one element of a range of amenities for various sports activities, including commercial centres and recreational areas accessible to all age groups. This makes the stadium an accessible and compelling destination for visitors from within and outside the Kingdom.

The main stadium will have a seating capacity of 92,000 and feature a 150-seat royal suite, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats, and 2,200 dignitary seats.

The structure will feature sustainable cooling systems for the audience seats and stadium floor, along with extended indoor screens for spectators and extensive indoor gardens. A walking track with a scenic view of King Abdulaziz Park will be built around the top of the stadium.

The general plan for King Salman stadium includes multiple surrounding sports facilities spanning over 360,000sqm, including two training fields as well as fan zones, a closed sports hall, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an athletics track, and outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball, and padel tennis. These facilities cater to all age groups and are interconnected by a 9-kilometre-long sports track surrounding King Abdulaziz Park.

The design of King Salman Stadium and its sporting facilities has been approved, with completion scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2029, said the SPA report.

Among several proposals submitted by six specialised international companies, the chosen design draws inspiration from the mountainous landscape, integrating with King Abdulaziz Park through a valley that intersects the surrounding stadium garden and green spaces.

A spokesman for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City explained, “The main stadium’s architectural design includes green walls and ceilings spanning over 96,500sqm, drawing inspiration from local urban structures and aligning with environmental sustainability and green building standards. This design will establish a distinctive global sports architectural icon capable of hosting major local and international entertainment events, enhancing Riyadh’s quality of life and elevating the city’s global ranking as one of the ‘best cities to live in the world’.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews

UAE-based Azizi Developments has announced that its mixed-use community development – Azizi Venice – last week set a new record for the largest continuous concrete pour ever completed in the UAE. A 22,000cu/m raft was poured for 56 hours – starting from 26^th July until 28^th July, on the Azizi Venice lot in Dubai South.

Founder and Chairman Mirwais Azizi commented on this unique achievement: “The quality and speed at which our developments manifest from vision into reality fills us with immense pride. This extensive, record-breaking two-day concrete pour, which is the largest of its kind in the UAE, exemplifies – and serves as a testament to – the fast pace at which our latest master planned community project, Venice in Dubai South, is being constructed.”

On completion, Azizi Venice will feature more than 36,000 residential units across more than 100 apartment complexes, and over 109 ultra-luxury mansions. For the project, Azizi is taking on the role of master developer, in charge of constructing the buildings, roads, and all the infrastructure.

The Azizi Venice community is distinguished by its extensive crystal-blue water lagoon, with multiple beaches. The lagoon surrounds the complete range of condominium buildings, villas, and mansions, as well as the adjacent leisure, retail, and commercial spaces.

At the heart of the development is a luxurious, ‘greened’ pedestrian-friendly boulevard, which will be open-air in the winter and glass-covered in the summer, to ensure a temperature-controlled space, with year-round activities for residents and visitors alike.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued a request for proposals (RFPs) to qualified companies and consortiums for the development of a new Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) plant located in the Madinat Zayed area.

Located approximately 120km southwest of Abu Dhabi City, the plant is expected to begin commercial operations in Q3 2027. The Madinat Zayed Independent Power Producer (IPP) project will provide up to 1.5GW (AC) of backup generation, which can be operational at very short notice.

The project is being implemented on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) programme model, where developers enter into a long-term agreement with EWEC as the sole procurer. The scope of work for the winning bidder includes development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant (with up to 40% stake). The remaining equity will be held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.

As EWEC spearheads the UAE’s shift towards renewable and clean energy, flexible, gas-fired plants like Madinat Zayed will play an increasingly important role in ensuring a reliable energy supply, as the country transitions to a fully decarbonised water and electricity system.

EWEC CEO, Othman Al Ali, commented: “EWEC is accelerating the UAE’s energy transition, in line with our strategic mission to be a leader of change within the energy sector. Commissioning the development of flexible, gas-fired plants will enable us to incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind into the nation’s sustainable energy mix even more rapidly. Natural gas has an important, transitional role to play in securing our system while we work towards a more sustainable future. As we move forward with the Madinat Zayed project, we look forward to receiving proposals from qualified companies and consortiums.”

The deadline for sending in bids has been set for Q4 2024.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

AESG has appointed Brent Ridgard to lead its Environmental Division in the Middle East. In his role Ridgard will lead the regional delivery of services that include environmental and social impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, environmental management, environmental site supervision and compliance, environmental monitoring, environmental compliance and due diligence auditing, and environmental risk assessment.

The move is said to highlight the firm’s desire to continue its role in managing the environmental, social and ecological impacts of the projected growth of key countries in the Middle East.

“The urgency of mitigating climate change and protecting the unique and precious biodiversity and natural capital of the region has never been more pronounced. The Middle East is at an inflection point and must balance ambition with environmental stewardship,” said Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG.

For over 13 years, AESG’s Environment Division has helped developers to pursue their projects in harmony with nature. In addition to being NCEC (Saudi National Centre for Environmental Compliance) certified, the environmental division holds Class A status from the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and is a registered consultant with the Dubai Municipality Environmental Protection and Studies Section. In addition to this, AESG’s environmental division has worked with a number of project proponents to align with and secure funding from international lenders by facilitating compliance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) standards.

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO, AESG

The firm’s credentials have made it the partner-of-choice to the region’s most ambitious construction undertakings across a wide range of sectors including critical infrastructure, mega- and giga- projects, premier leisure and luxury travel destinations, and industrial and manufacturing facilities, the statement noted.

Al Abbar continued, “We are presently witnessing a flight of funds towards projects that demonstrably deliver on environmental sustainability commitments. The resulting surge in demand for our environmental services makes this the opportune moment to place Brent at the helm. His vision for nurturing a collaborative and innovative environment aligns perfectly with AESG’s values and goals. I’m confident in his ability to further advance the scope and quality of our sustainability and environmental portfolio, furthering our value proposition as the partner of choice for multidisciplinary integrated design engineering and design solutions that as well delivers all services relating to environmental consultancy in a pragmatic, innovative and cost-effective manner.”

Brent’s career spans over a quarter of a century, and he joins AESG from WSP where he served as the firm’s National Director of Environmental Assessment & Planning for Australia. Prior to this, he was the Middle East Director of WSP Environment and Energy, where among his many accomplishments was his contribution as the project lead in the development of Dubai’s Green Building Regulations, the statement outlined.

Ridgard concluded, “The Middle East is one of the most exciting development and construction markets, and the eyes of the world are upon it. Now is the time for the region to demonstrate its leadership and set new benchmarks for environmentally conscious development and progress. I am excited by the prospect of empowering clients to rise to the occasion. As a regionally founded firm that has successfully expanded its operations globally, AESG embodies the entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit of the Middle East and I am proud to join this celebrated team of industry pioneers.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

DMT GmbH & Co. KG, a general planner and contractor for deep geothermal energy, has been assigned by Stadtwerke Münster GmbH to explore the geothermal potential in Münster as part of its Strategy 2030. The deal is said to be a milestone that will help to promote heat transition and decarbonisation in the region.

The large-scale 3D seismic survey campaign will be completed in winter 2024/25 and will explore the geothermal potential in and around Münster, DMT said in a statement.

Dr Maik Tiedemann, Chairman of the Board of Management / CEO DMT GmbH & Co. KG and CEO of the TÜV NORD GROUP Business Unit Energy & Resources stated, “Deep geothermal energy could currently cover 25% of Germany’s heating demand in the long term, sustainably and in a CO2-neutral manner. The first steps towards accelerating the heat transition with the help of deep geothermal energy have been made. The task now is to consistently utilise and roll out instruments such as exploration loans or insurances, national and international subsidies, and accelerated approval procedures. This will enable projects like the one in Münster to soon be implemented throughout Germany.”

The upcoming seismic surveys, which DMT will be conducting on behalf of Stadtwerke Münster, will explore the deep underground between 1,400 and 7,000m and cover the entire city of Münster. Stadtwerke Münster considers deep geothermal energy to be one of the lead technologies within the scope of its Strategy 2030. As a partner in seismic exploration, DMT is supporting Stadtwerke Münster in the implementation of its Strategy 2030 and will contribute to the heating sector and the energy transition.

Thorsten Müller, Head of Business Entity Exploration Seismic at DMT remarked, “The upcoming surveys in the deep underground around Münster will provide valuable 2 / 2 information to shape the agenda on the use of deep geothermal energy in Münsterland and define a roadmap for this project. With our latest acquisition of high-quality, state-of-the-art measuring instruments, we are also well equipped for the expected increase in assignments.”

DMT said it is providing important cornerstones for the energy transition beyond the Münster region and is involved in many other geothermal energy projects that will be carried out throughout Germany in 2024, such as for Stadtwerke Parchim, IGE Fraunhofer Bochum and the Geological Survey of North Rhine Westphalia. Further projects are currently in the pipeline throughout Germany and Europe, it added.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

DELTA Coatings released plans for the construction of a new headquarters and manufacturing plant. The eco-friendly facility will be powered in part by renewable energy, including an extensive solar energy farm on the facility’s roof, driving the firm towards its sustainability and decarbonisation goals. The firm said it aims to move to the new facility in the first half of 2025.

“Our new global headquarters and manufacturing plant in Dubai represents a positive step forward for our company. Our new facility will enable us to demonstrate the numerous benefits of polyurea-based liquid coating, lining and membrane solutions, as well as waterproofing systems, to our customers and even more applicators. It will also provide a fitting and inspirational home for our growing team of local and international experts as part of DELTA Coating’s five-year strategic growth plans. Since its inception over 20 years ago, this development marks a significant milestone in DELTA Coatings’ history, underpinned by growing awareness and more widespread acceptance of polyurea-based protective coating products and waterproofing solutions globally. It’s an exciting time for DELTA Coatings and our entire industry,” stated DELTA Coatings’ General Manager, Belvin Marx.

According to Marx, facility highlights include a range of new features, including modern open-plan office facilities to support the firm’s growing international team of experts and partners. Visiting customers can expect the new headquarters space to be one of innovation and discovery, showcasing the power of polyurea and dynamic benefits of polyurea-based linings, membranes, and coating solutions, as well as waterproofing systems.

Located in Dubai Industrial City, the facility is located a 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from the new Dubai World Central airport and Expo City Dubai.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) awarded KUnnected Living – a multinational consortium led by Plenary Group, BESIX, and Mazrui International, a project to develop student accommodation facilities in Abu Dhabi. The project has reached commercial close and will support local suppliers and manufacturers by drawing local content and products from the national supply chain for the purposes of development and operation.

The project is the largest student accommodation project in the GCC region to be developed under a public-private partnership model, and includes a 23-year concession to design, build, finance and maintain 3,260 student rooms and communal facilities located across Khalifa University’s Main Campus and its Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus.

The project is being implemented through Abu Dhabi’s Public Private Partnership Programme, which seeks to expand the role of the private sector in delivering major public sector infrastructure and services. ADIO is the central Abu Dhabi government authority responsible for the facilitation, development and procurement of all infrastructure projects delivered through this PPP framework.

Yaser Al Nuaimi, Acting Head – Infrastructure Partnerships at ADIO said, “In Abu Dhabi, we are committed to ensuring that the private sector can play a significant role in strategic infrastructure projects that will create impact and value across the emirate. The Khalifa University Accommodation project is a leading example of this; it demonstrates efficient PPP delivery through an effective commercial partnership that supports the development of premier facilities for students choosing to pursue their studies and research in our top-ranked educational facilities.”

Dr. Ebrahim Al-Hajri, President of Khalifa University added, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to award the Student Accommodation public-private partnership contract to the consortium comprising BESIX, Plenary Group, and Mazrui International. This initiative is part of our strategy to provide improved campus facilities and accommodation for an enhanced student living experience, and it seeks to enhance our reputation as one of the leading universities in the region with high quality infrastructure megaprojects in the education sector.”

David Lamming, CEO at Plenary Group noted, “The KUnnected Living consortium is honoured to be selected to deliver the largest on-campus student accommodation developments in the GCC region. We commend the Abu Dhabi Government on its impressive, continued program of infrastructure development and look forward to working in partnership with ADIO and Khalifa University of Science and Technology to deliver this world-class integrated precinct.”

The project underpins Khalifa University’s commitment to provide accommodation solutions that promote a vibrant on-campus student living experience, alongside a social environment for local and international students alike. Designed to meet practices with the new facilities will offer technology-enabled ensuite rooms for undergraduates and ensuite studios for post-graduate students, as well as expansive communal spaces that include support services, central study areas, and commercial and retail areas.

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Source: MEConstructionNews