The project’s objective is to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s capacity and capability to convert waste to energy whilst promoting UK prosperity. This includes driving the uptake of UK-based waste to energy technologies in KSA, the co-creation of CPD and TNE opportunities, attracting inward investment and creating opportunities for UK companies in KSA’s waste to energy sector. The creation of a “Waste2Energy” cluster and digital networking platform will ensure the project’s sustainability and impactful collaboration.

This project supports the ambitions and strategic goals of KSA Vision 2030, the Saudi Green initiative, and NEOM. Waste management is a top priority for KSA, where more than 106 million tons of waste is expected to be treated by 2035. KSA currently produces approximately 53 mtpa which leads to $1.3 billion loss in environmental degradation. Despite the concrete commitments from the government, the conversion of waste into energy and useful bioproducts has not taken off yet. The presence of UK businesses in waste to energy and alternative fuels market in KSA is currently non-existent. This project aims to leverage UK expertise in waste to energy by providing UK technology providers access to the KSA market through engagement with key KSA stakeholders. Academic partners will explore and co-develop CPD and translation education (TNE) opportunities between partners academic institutions from UK and KSA. To ensure effective engagement and sustain project benefits beyond 2025, an online platform (cluster) will be developed during the project.