Why Waste-to-Energy Matters

Waste-to-energy projects deserve serious attention in Kuwait because they can address two urgent needs at once: reducing landfill accumulation and generating reliable electricity. A useful regional example is Dubai's Warsan project, which began operating in 2024 with a power capacity of about 200 MWp, an operating capacity factor above 80%, and annual output exceeding 1,370 GWh. The project cost approached one billion dollars.

The project was implemented through a BOOT model, meaning Build, Own, Operate, Transfer. These projects often run for up to 35 years, with competitive levelized costs of electricity commonly ranging between 8 and 25 cents per kWh.

Strategic Benefits

  1. Waste-to-energy can provide reliable electricity that is more stable than solar and wind power alone.
  2. It reduces waste accumulation in landfills. The Dubai plant requires around 5,500 tonnes of waste per day, equal to roughly 1.9 million tonnes per year, and is expected to reduce Dubai landfill waste by about 45%.
  3. It improves the national carbon footprint by reducing landfill methane emissions. Methane is especially harmful because one tonne of methane has a much higher climate impact than one tonne of carbon dioxide.
  4. The plant uses steam turbines that require a continuous water cycle. Dubai benefits from using treated wastewater instead of relying only on seawater, which is a strong example of resource integration.
  5. Modern filtration systems and carbon capture and storage technologies can help manage emissions, fly ash, and bottom ash while supporting metal separation and recycling.

Operational Challenges

This type of project is effective in countries such as Belgium and Germany, but it requires strong supply-chain management. The plant must receive large quantities of waste every day. In Dubai's case, the operation can require around 88 waste trucks per hour and about 1,000 unloading operations per day.

Gulf countries may face additional challenges from summer heat and dust, which can affect steam turbine performance and internal heating systems that need a clean and moderate airflow. Projects also need stronger infrastructure links with wastewater treatment facilities so treated water can support energy production.

The Kuwait Opportunity

Kuwait produces approximately 3 to 4 million tonnes of waste annually, much of which accumulates in landfills that have become visible environmental burdens near residential areas. Two projects of similar scale could help Kuwait reduce pollutants while producing dependable electricity.