Qatar's Domestic Solid Waste Management Center Sets New Standards

Doha, September 21 (QNA) - Keppel Seghers, the operator of the Domestic Solid Waste Management Center (DSWMC) in Mesaieed has recently participated in the Waste Management and Recycling Summit held in Doha. The Summit was followed today by an exclusive media and delegate tour of the DSWMC. Commenting on the contribution of DSWMC to the sustainability pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030, Stefan Kipp, Regional Director (MENA) of Keppel Seghers said: "The obvious benefit of Waste-to-Energy is that it mitigates the need for more landfill sites, protecting the open deserts and land of Qatar for future generations to enjoy. The integrated approach we have taken with the Center means that, of the waste we receive, 95 per cent is now converted to energy or recycled instead of being sent to a landfill. The Domestic Solid Waste Management Center is the result of foresight and vision, and is a major achievement for Qatar. In terms of the technology used and the impact it is having, this facility is a landmark in the region. "Keppel Seghers is proud to support Qatar on its unique national journey towards a sustainable economy and healthy environment for all. With our ongoing partnership and further plans to expand the Center, we hope that our long- term collaboration will continue for decades to come," added Kipp. In 2006 the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning signed an agreement with Keppel Seghers to design, build and operate the Middle East's first fully integrated Solid Waste Management Facility. One of the key technologies in the facility is the Waste-to-Energy technology. At that time, the global market for such technologies was worth US$4.8 billion. Today, it is worth US$10.2 billion, with an expected size in 2021 of US$27.2 billion. The Domestic Solid Waste Management Center was completed and transferred to government ownership in October 2011. This also marked the beginning of the second phase of agreement, whereby Keppel Seghers continues to operate and maintain the Center for the Ministry of Environment until 2031. The Center is designed to treat up to 2,300 tons of mixed domestic solid waste per day, servicing the whole of Qatar. It comprises state-of-the-art waste sorting and recycling facilities, an Anaerobic Digestion composting plant, a 1,500 ton-per-day incineration plant, and a sanitary landfill satisfying the most advanced standards in the world. The pre-processing aspect of the Center is especially important, because it enables materials suitable for recycling and energy recovery to be separated and transferred to the appropriate processing line. This is done through Keppel Seghers' proprietary 'dano drum', which feeds into magnetic separators, eddy current separators, and infra-red and wind sifters. This entire process can help to recover 90 per cent of metals, and 50 per cent of plastics for recycling. Organic waste is sent to the Anaerobic Digestion & Composting plant to produce soil enhancers for use in agriculture and landscaping as well as energy. The remaining waste which is not recycled or composted is then sent to an advanced and fully controlled incineration process, where energy will be recovered to generate steam and electricity. The facility has three separate lines with a combined capacity of 1,500 tons per day. (QNA)