Change fueled by waste – how Griffin is helping UAE reach its sustainability goals

By transforming waste into fuel, Griffin helps UAE take its first steps to reach ambitious CO2 reduction goals

UAE is taking strong measures to reduce its CO2 emissions by obligating all cement plants that use coal in their energy production operations to use at least 10% of their total energy needs from Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). The obligation, which came into force in 2020, is the first step in helping UAE achieve its target to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050

Griffin Refineries is helping UAE reach its reduction targets with Emirates RDF – the first refuse derived fuel plant in the United Arab Emirates and wider Gulf area. Emirates RDF is transforming municipal waste from surrounding areas in to more environmentally friendly RDF fuel for the local cement plants, which has an undeniably positive impact on both the environment and costs.

“The benefits for municipalities, manufacturers and the environment are huge, and we are very happy to have been chosen to help the UAE on their path to a more environmentally friendly future”, says Griffin CEO Stuart Campbell.

Reducing fossil fuel emissions with RDF

Cement production is a significant source of CO2 emissions in the UAE, making up 41% of the country’s manufacturing industries’ carbon dioxide emissions. Reports have shown, however, that there are numerous benefits for cement plants to replace traditional fossil fuel energy forms used in cement production with RDF.

Choosing RDF fuel helps cement plants decrease their CO2 emissions as well as reducing waste going to landfill. Using RDF fuel as a sustainable and reliable alternative to coal helps solve both global warming and municipal solid waste management problems, while simultaneously resulting in diversion of at least 80 per cent of household waste from landfill.

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Substantial savings in fuel costs

In the UAE, the Emirates RDF plant replaces more than 200,000 tonnes of coal per year from the nine cement plants in the surrounding area, and when operating at full capacity, the plant can treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year and generate 300,000 tonnes of alternative fuel annually. This means substantial annual savings in fuel costs – the cost reduction can be up to 30% when plants are replacing fossil fuel with RDF.

Turning waste into valuable fuel helps save landfill costs while at the same time land area costs and environmental impact decreases. When substituting 1 ton of coal with 1.5 ton of RDF, the CO2 emissions are reduced by 1 ton, which is enormously beneficial for both the cement plants and the environment.

Notable growth potential in the future

Currently, the fossil fuel substitution rate in the UAE cement plants stands at 10%, but there’s potential for up to 50% rate. Recycling waste to produce sustainable fuel is being achieved today, and is an ideal replacement to fossil fuels.
Griffin’s technical know-how in transforming waste into RDF fuel and sensitivity to cement companies’ needs are a guarantee for consistent and high-quality fuel. Our extensive network of global partners and suppliers gives us access to multiple solutions and proven technology. Therefore, we can always provide you with the most suitable solution for your needs.

We handle every phase of the process – from interfacing with the waste source and processing it into quality fuel, to efficient delivery and safe storage of the RDF product.

Learn more about how our Fuel from Waste can help your business grow.