As part of their objective to reuse 100% of by-products coming from the Al Saja’a Bio Refinery, QATRA Water Solutions, a joint venture between the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and BESIX Group, announced the signing of a reuse agreement with Sharjah Cement Factory to provide dry sludge and treated water.

Dry sludge is a green residual semi-solid material and has calorific fuel value that can be used as a substitute to charcoal for fuelling purposes to produce cement at the factory. Treated water will be utilized for landscaping and greenery of their plant.

The reuse agreement is mutually beneficial to both parties involved, as Sharjah Cement Factory is able to access a local and sustainable alternative to charcoal, while QATRA continues to develop new initiative that achieve its zero waste target. Additionally, both companies will play a crucial role in developing Sharjah’s eco-friendly infrastructure by reducing the effects of sludge landfilling, reduce emissions, and contribute towards Sharjah’s environmental goals.

HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said: “The new partnership by QATRA, operating under Shurooq’s umbrella, and the Sharjah Cement Factory will play a major role in boosting sustainability in Sharjah’s construction industry.”

He added: “The partnership is also in-line with our mission and vision behind the full and complete development of Sharjah, by using QATRA as a strategic partner and a global platform for innovative solutions and technologies that uses water treatment as an essential catalyst to our contributions towards the low carbon footprint of our emirate. We aim to continue at providing both businesses and residents in Sharjah with safe and clean environments for their wellbeing, as well as affordable and eco-friendly solutions for their operations and developments.”

Gurvan Dersel, General Manager of QATRA, said, “We are delighted to partner with Sharjah Cement Factory, a division of Sharjah Cement & Industrial Development Co., as they are an intimate link in the circular economy model, we are keen to develop complimentary partnerships such as these which have the potential to significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and support sustainable development.”

Pravinchandra Batavia, General Manager of Sharjah Cement & Industrial Development Co., added, “The two products being supplied by QATRA are of excellent quality and a great viable alternative to charcoal and conventional water. We are pleased to have entered in this alliance with QATRA, allowing us to together make a positive contribution towards the Emirate of Sharjah.”

In July 2018, Shurooq and BESIX signed a joint-venture establishing QATRA, which operates under the authority, managing and expanding the strategic wastewater treatment in Sharjah’s masterplan, with the aim of driving commercial realization of Sharjah’s sustainable goals, and ensuring the highest level of operating excellence and service to all stakeholders.