FAS Energy plans 10 MW waste-to-energy pilot project in Riyadh

FAS Energy, a subsidiary of the Fawaz Al Hokair Group, is planning a 10 MW waste-to-energy pilot project in the north-east of Riyadh, a senior company executive told Argaam in an exclusive interview.

The pilot project, which is expected to cost SAR 131 million ($35 million), is in the early planning stages, said Sabri Asfour, general manager, FAS Energy.

“We are working on getting all the approvals and expect to start construction next year,” he added.

Earlier this month, the Riyadh-based company signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt’s New and Urban Communities Authority to set up a waste-to-energy plant in the 10th of Ramadan City, which will serve new cities in East Cairo.

“The 100 MW project will be built stages with the first phase generating 25 MW,” Asfour said, adding that the project is slated for completion in 18 months.

FAS Energy is seeking to contribute its part in achieving the Kingdom’s new 58.7GW renewable energy target for 2030 in order to deliver on the goals of the National Renewable Energy Program.

“We are planning to be a part of this development and to support all initiatives In the Kingdom. We have the experience and the knowledge, and we can compete and contribute in localization in all parts of the solar and other renewable projects,” Asfour noted.

The company is qualified by the Kingdom’s Renewable Energy Project Development Office, as a local managing member in category A and a consortium member in category B.

In a recent report, consultancy firm Deloitte said Islamic finance can play a major role in financing solar and other alternative energy projects in the Middle East, as countries emphasize on green energy to meet increasing demand.

FAS Energy, Asfour said, is looking at issuing green sukuk, but did not give the size and date of the issuance.

Write to Parag Deulgaonkar at parag.d@argaamplus.com