Ajman Shows Success In Renewable Energy And Zero Waste Strategies

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The Municipality and Planning Department of Ajman recently took part in the 24th World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC-24). The event was held in Manchester, United Kingdom, from August 26 to 29, 2025. It brought together experts, policymakers, and leaders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in renewable energy and sustainable city planning. Ajman’s participation allowed the emirate to present its successful initiatives and learn from other international practices. The event also created opportunities for networking and forming partnerships that support sustainable development goals globally.

Leadership Emphasises Partnerships For Sustainability

The Ajman delegation was led by Dr. Eng. Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, Executive Director of the Public Health and Environment Sector. He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between public and private sectors. Dr. Al Hosani explained that achieving “zero waste” goals and promoting a circular economy requires cooperation among government authorities, private businesses, and the community. Circular economy strategies focus on reducing waste, reusing materials, and creating a system where resources remain in use for as long as possible. These strategies not only protect the environment but also improve economic efficiency and create new business opportunities.

Waste Management Challenges And Global Concerns

Dr. Al Hosani pointed out that the world is facing rapid changes and serious challenges in managing waste. Currently, 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal waste are generated each year worldwide. Waste management alone contributes about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Rapid urbanization is expected to increase waste levels by 70% by 2050 if no effective measures are taken. These rising waste levels threaten public health, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and strain urban infrastructure. Dr. Al Hosani emphasised that sustainable waste management strategies are essential to ensure cities can remain clean, healthy, and resilient in the future.

Zero Waste Strategies For Sustainable Cities

To address these challenges, Dr. Al Hosani discussed zero waste strategies aimed at creating sustainable cities. Zero waste strategies involve minimizing waste at every stage, from production to disposal, and focusing on recycling, reuse, and energy recovery. He stressed that these strategies are most effective when there is strong collaboration between governments and private companies. Financing, innovation, regulation, and protecting public interests are all critical elements in making these strategies successful. By adopting such approaches, cities can reduce environmental impact, manage resources efficiently, and prepare for climate change challenges.

Ajman’s Sludge-To-Energy Project Success

Dr. Al Hosani highlighted Ajman as a successful example of sustainable city development. One of the emirate’s key projects is the sludge-to-energy initiative, implemented in partnership with the private sector. This project began producing electricity in 2022 with a capacity of 2.4 megawatts. It now supplies 40% of the energy needs of the treatment plant, reducing electricity consumption by 60%. This initiative demonstrates how innovative projects can save energy, lower costs, and reduce environmental impact. Dr. Al Hosani also explained that Ajman uses blended finance and risk-sharing models to overcome financial, technical, and regulatory obstacles, ensuring the sustainability of its projects.

Emission Reduction And Integrated Strategies

Dr. Eng. Yasser Kayed, an Environmental Specialist in Sustainability and Environmental Planning at the Municipality Department, gave a presentation titled “Integration of Emission Reduction Technologies.” He explained that combining emission reduction strategies with renewable energy, sustainable transportation, environmental management, and green infrastructure can provide significant benefits. This integrated approach not only improves the environment but also supports economic growth and public health. Dr. Kayed stated that, if implemented effectively, these strategies could reduce urban emissions by up to 80% by 2050, contributing to long-term climate goals and improving quality of life for city residents.

Using Technology To Monitor Air Quality

Ajman Municipality has also invested in advanced technologies to monitor and improve air quality. Dr. Kayed described the use of IoT sensor networks and artificial intelligence to track pollutants and analyze environmental data accurately. These efforts helped Ajman achieve an air quality index of 96.19% during the first half of 2025. Since 2020, air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur have decreased by 30%. These improvements show that technology can play a vital role in reducing pollution and ensuring healthier urban environments.

Renewable Energy Projects Reduce Emissions

The emirate’s renewable energy initiatives, including the sludge-to-energy project and expanded use of solar power, have led to measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In the electricity and water sector, emissions dropped by 10% in 2023 compared to 2022. These projects highlight the positive impact of clean energy and innovative solutions. By integrating renewable energy into urban planning and operations, Ajman demonstrates that sustainable development can be both practical and economically beneficial.

Detailed Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis

Dr. Kayed presented a detailed analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in Ajman, broken down by sector. This information is crucial for designing policies and prioritizing projects that have the most significant environmental impact. The data also ensures that Ajman’s efforts align with the UAE’s national ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. By knowing exactly where emissions come from, the municipality can target interventions more effectively, ensuring resources are used efficiently to achieve the greatest benefits.

Public Private Partnerships Drive Success

The presentations at WREC-24 emphasized that public-private partnerships are essential for sustainable city development. By collaborating, the government and private sector can share knowledge, reduce financial risks, and innovate solutions for complex environmental challenges. Ajman’s successful projects show that these partnerships can create tangible results in renewable energy, waste management, and emissions reduction. They also demonstrate that collaboration helps attract investment and technology, enabling cities to implement larger and more impactful sustainability programs.

Ajman Leading By Example

Through these initiatives, Ajman is emerging as a leading example of sustainable urban development. The emirate combines innovative technology, renewable energy, and strong public-private partnerships to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment. These projects not only address climate change and resource management challenges but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Ajman’s approach shows that cities can develop sustainably while maintaining economic growth and environmental responsibility.

Global Recognition And Knowledge Sharing

Participation in events like WREC-24 allows Ajman to share its achievements on an international stage. It also helps the emirate learn from other cities and countries, adopt best practices, and develop new ideas for future sustainability projects. These interactions are essential for building global networks, encouraging knowledge exchange, and promoting collaborative solutions to climate and environmental challenges.

Commitment To Future Sustainability

Ajman Municipality’s work reflects a strong commitment to creating sustainable cities for the future. By investing in renewable energy, implementing zero waste strategies, and using advanced technology for environmental monitoring, the emirate is making significant progress toward climate neutrality. These efforts align with national and international goals and demonstrate that local actions can have a meaningful impact on global sustainability.

Renewable Energy Projects, Zero Waste Initiatives, Emission Reduction Strategies