Masdar and Tadweer have announced a joint project to convert waste into sustainable aviation fuel at a commercial scale, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in decarbonising the aviation industry and advancing the UAE’s renewable energy goals.
Masdar, a leading clean energy company in the UAE, has partnered with Tadweer Group, the region’s prominent waste management firm, to develop what they claim will be Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility. The joint development agreement announced by both entities outlines plans to convert approximately 500,000 tonnes of waste annually into SAF, employing a cutting-edge hybrid production process. This method integrates renewable-powered green hydrogen production through electrolysis with syngas generated from waste gasification, combining two innovative technologies to produce sustainable aviation fuel.
This pioneering project is poised to position Abu Dhabi as a strategic regional hub for SAF, tapping into the substantial growth opportunities within the aviation sector, which accounted for over 18% of the UAE’s GDP in 2023, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasised that the venture will advance the UAE’s sustainable aviation credentials, aligning with the nation’s broader clean energy and net-zero ambitions. Tadweer’s Managing Director and CEO Ali Al Dhaheri described the initiative as aiming to highlight the “incredible potential of waste,” setting a benchmark for sustainable transformation on a global scale.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is gaining significant attention globally for its potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions in an industry that is challenging to decarbonise. IATA estimates that SAF can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel and suggests that SAF could contribute to around 65% of the emissions reductions necessary for aviation to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Various feedstocks are used for SAF production, including waste oils, fats, municipal and green waste, and non-food crops. The fact that SAF feedstock does not compete with food resources or water supplies, and does not contribute to deforestation, adds to its sustainability credentials.
However, scaling the production and adoption of SAF remains a considerable hurdle due to current pricing challenges. A report from PA Consulting underscores the need for producers and buyers to develop creative commercial solutions that balance affordability with the assurance of minimum returns for producers. Despite these challenges, momentum is building, driven by regulatory mandates and increasing corporate commitments. For instance, the European Union has implemented binding mandates requiring at least 2% SAF to be supplied at EU airports by 2025, increasing to 70% by 2050. It also includes a specific sub-target of 1.2% for green hydrogen-based synthetic fuels by 2030, potentially rising to 35% by 2050.
This backdrop emphasises the strategic importance of Masdar and Tadweer’s collaboration, as the UAE seeks to leverage both its waste management capabilities and renewable energy resources to produce SAF. The move aligns with emissions reduction commitments encapsulated in global aviation roadmaps coordinated by IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), including market-based measures like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
While the commercial-scale plant is still in development, it reflects the broader trajectory of decarbonising industrial sectors through technological innovation and cross-sector collaboration. The integration of waste gasification with green hydrogen production exemplifies an advanced hybrid approach to SAF manufacturing, potentially offering a scalable and replicable model for other regions aiming to reduce aviation emissions sustainably.
In summary, the Masdar-Tadweer waste-to-SAF project represents a significant advance for the UAE’s clean energy and circular economy strategies. It underscores the potential for combining renewable energy with waste valorisation technologies to tackle one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, setting Abu Dhabi on the path to becoming a regional and potentially global SAF hub. As the aviation industry intensifies its drive towards net-zero emissions, projects like this will likely play a crucial role in meeting ambitious environmental targets while supporting economic growth.
- https://www.h2-view.com/story/masdar-tadweer-team-up-on-hybrid-h2-and-waste-to-saf-project-in-abu-dhabi/2135122.article/?utm_source=gw&utm_medium=rss_feed&utm_campaign=rss – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.h2-view.com/story/masdar-tadweer-team-up-on-hybrid-h2-and-waste-to-saf-project-in-abu-dhabi/2135122.article/?utm_source=gw&utm_medium=rss_feed&utm_campaign=rss – Masdar and Tadweer Group have announced a joint development agreement to establish Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project. The facility aims to convert approximately 500,000 tonnes of waste annually into SAF using a hybrid production method that combines renewable-powered green hydrogen and syngas from waste gasification. This initiative is expected to position Abu Dhabi as a regional SAF hub and support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, which accounted for over 18% of the UAE’s GDP in 2023, according to IATA data.
- https://masdar.ae/en/news/newsroom/masdar-and-tadweer-group – Masdar and Tadweer Group have signed a Joint Development Agreement to advance Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project. The plant will convert around 500,000 tonnes of waste into SAF per year, employing a hybrid production pathway that combines renewable energy-powered electrolysis producing green hydrogen and waste gasification turning syngas into SAF. This project aligns with the UAE’s clean energy and net-zero strategies, contributing to the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, which accounted for over 18% of the UAE’s GDP in 2023, according to IATA data.
- https://www.iata.org/en/programs/environment/sustainable-aviation-fuels/ – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. SAF is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It can be produced from various sources, including waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste, and non-food crops. SAF is considered sustainable because its feedstock does not compete with food crops or water supplies and does not contribute to forest degradation.
- https://www.iata.org/policy/environment/Pages/climate-change.aspx – The airline industry has set the goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. IATA is collaborating with airlines, regulators, and stakeholders across the entire air transport ecosystem to make this goal a reality. This includes the development of detailed roadmaps towards net-zero CO2, the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and the implementation of CORSIA – the ICAO carbon offsetting scheme for international aviation. SAF is expected to deliver 65% of the emissions reductions needed to achieve net-zero CO2 by 2050.
- https://airlines.iata.org/2021/12/01/2050-net-zero-carbon-emissions – Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will be the main driver in airline efforts to reduce emissions at source. SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by 80% or more. They are produced from various sources, including waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste, and non-food crops. They can even be produced synthetically via a process that captures carbon directly from the air. Crucially, SAF feedstock does not compete with food crops or water supplies, nor contribute to forest degradation. By 2025, it is estimated that there will be 11 technical pathways to producing SAF. And by 2050, SAF could contribute about 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net-zero carbon emissions in 2050.
- https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-01-31-01/ – IATA has released its methodology for accounting and reporting the emissions reduction associated with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by airlines. SAF is an essential component of airline plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The IATA methodology fulfils the critical need to ensure that SAF’s contribution to aviation’s decarbonisation is accurately, consistently, and transparently accounted.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being 20 November 2025. The report is based on a press release from Masdar and Tadweer Group, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No earlier versions with different figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and Ali Al Dhaheri are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Masdar and Tadweer Group, reputable organisations in the UAE’s clean energy and waste management sectors. This strengthens the credibility of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the project converting 500,000 tonnes of waste into sustainable aviation fuel annually align with the UAE’s strategic initiatives in clean energy. The project is expected to contribute to Tadweer’s strategy of diverting 80% of waste from Abu Dhabi landfills by 2030. The language and tone are consistent with official communications from Masdar and Tadweer Group.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The report is fresh, originating from reputable organisations, and presents plausible claims consistent with the UAE’s clean energy initiatives. The quotes are unique, and the language aligns with official communications, indicating a high level of credibility.
