Fujairah Environment Authority wins Solid Waste Treatment Project of the Year - UAE at Asian Water Awards 2024

The local government agency received the accolade in recognition of its integrated management of industrial solid waste.

Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA) was honoured at the Asian Water Awards 2024, proving its dedication and exemplary initiatives in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. 

Fujairah Environment Authority was established in 2018 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council of the Federation, Ruler of Fujairah Emirate, and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi – Crown Prince of Fujairah – Chairman of FEA, the FEA is responsible for safeguarding the Emirate’s natural resources, including land, marine reserves, wildlife, and water. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, the FEA is working to create a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth. 

Sustainable waste management 

FEA launched the Integrated Management of Industrial Solid Waste in Fujairah, a groundbreaking initiative that advances industrial waste management in the Emirate. It was developed in partnership with a waste management services provider that was certified by FEA.

The new initiative’s core focus is to establish a waste management system that emphasises recycling, resource recovery, and the reduction of waste sent to landfills. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the project is helping to transform industrial waste into alternative fuels and raw materials for the cement industry.

The project has already delivered significant results. In 2022 alone, the FEA processed over 641,000 tons of hazardous solid waste, with nearly 97% being recycled. 

The initiative has also led to the diversion of approximately 95% of industrial waste from landfills in Fujairah, saving 50,000 square metres of land from being used as waste disposal sites. This improves environmental quality and contributes to better public health and quality of life as well. 

In addition to this, the project is helping to cut carbon emissions. It replaces fossil fuels like coal with alternative fuels derived from industrial waste. With this, the project has achieved a 30% fuel substitution rate and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 3%. 
Moreover, the sustainable waste management project has also contributed to raising awareness of best practices in waste management. It benefitted over 50 companies across various industries, with stakeholders reporting over 80% satisfaction with the initiative and 90% agreeing that it supports integrated waste management according to global standards.

Environmental benefits

The project’s impact on carbon dioxide emissions has been significant. By processing industrial waste and using it as an alternative fuel, the project helps reduce CO2 emissions by 40 tons per day—which is equivalent to removing more than 3,000 cars from the road annually.

As part of its long-term goals, the FEA envisions expanding this initiative to include waste from other sectors, such as municipal solid waste and construction debris.

With these, the Integrated Management of Industrial Solid Waste in Fujairah project is setting new standards for waste processing and recycling.

The Asian Water Awards is a prestigious programme that recognises excellence in the water sector across Asia. Now in its 2nd year, it serves as a platform to showcase innovative projects, initiatives, and companies that have made significant contributions to water management, conservation, and sustainability in the region.

The Asian Water Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's revolutionary innovations and initiatives in the water industry in Asia, please contact Danica Avila at danica@charltonmediamail.com.