UK climate leader Levidian and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have announced an agreement to tackle emissions from one of Abu Dhabi’s largest landfill sites.

The companies are working closely on a first-of-its-kind pilot to install Levidian’s LOOP technology, which will strip the carbon from gas produced by organic waste and lock it away in high-quality graphene. The device will also produce a H₂-rich blend gas that will be used to generate clean electricity on site.

It is estimated that the LOOP device will deliver a reduction in emissions of around 40% while supporting further upstream carbon savings through the addition of graphene to increase the performance of materials such as concrete, batteries and polymers. If successful, the pilot could be scaled up to strip the carbon from an estimated 1.2 billion cubic meters of landfill gas over the next 10 years.

This deal is part of Levidian’s expansion into the UAE, which was announced in November.

“The installation of Levidian’s LOOP technology is a critical part of our journey as we work towards our strategic vision for sustainable waste management. In the lead up to COP28, it’s more important now than ever for Tadweer to become a global model for a circular economy, alongside partners such as Levidian, as we create the foundations for a sustainable future,” said Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO, Tadweer

With 20% of global methane emissions coming from landfill waste, the effective management of global waste is set to play a pivotal role in achieving a circular economy.

“One of the biggest challenges in tackling emissions from landfill sites isn’t the technology, it’s the cost. The utilization of Levidian’s LOOP technology will allow Tadweer to clean up emissions while creating a revenue stream from the production of H₂ and graphene that will ensure that the project pays for itself,” said John Hartley, CEO, Levidian.

“This project is so important because it demonstrates the full circularity of LOOP’s technology, whilst tackling one of the hardest to abate sectors globally. We are also delighted to be growing our partnerships in the UAE, as the region becomes ever more vital to reaching net zero worldwide.”