Qatar Waste-to-Energy Initiatives
The Ministry of Municipality of the State of Qatar re-emphasized its waste management priorities during the 3rd Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference & Exhibition on May 9-11, 2023. The event ran under the slogan, ‘Together we make the difference…For a sustainable future,’ and focused on the latest solutions for waste treatment and recycling, academic and scientific research, investment opportunities, and waste management electronic programs and systems, modern technologies, artificial intelligence and laws and regulations.
During a panel discussion at the recycling exhibition, the Minister of Municipality noted that Qatar’s current recycling rate from household, commercial, and industrial waste is approximately 54 percent and noted the Ministry’s interest to obtain the country’s 95 percent recycling rate target by 2030. In line with this goal, the Ministry of Municipality allocated 153 plots of land for private sector waste recycling. Additionally, the Ministry of Municipality is seeking the latest solutions and technologies for waste-to-energy management and technical experts to conduct assessments on Qatar’s current abilities to develop more efficient processes to reduce, reuse, recycle and convert waste into energy. A major factor that will assist Qatar in reaching their target is enhancing Qatar’s large-scale ability to convert waste into energy or fertilizer. U.S. companies in the field of waste management, treatment, recycling, and waste-to-energy conversion should consider exploring the Qatar market for opportunities in this sector.
Sub-sectors with strong market potential
The key sectors for Qatar in waste management are power generation (waste-to-energy and/or fertilizer production), waste management industrial processes, infrastructure, sustainability and renewables, and environmental health and safety. The list below provides the key sub-sectors in this industry:
• Environmental and clean technologies
• Energy efficiency solutions
• Waste to energy industrial equipment, technical expertise, and methodology
• Renewable energy sources
• Recycling
• Pollution detection, monitoring, and control solutions
• Research and Development – potential pilot projects on waste to energy and energy efficiency and savings
• Safety and maintenance methods and measures
• Waste management smart solutions, including artificial intelligence and digitization
Next Steps for the U.S. Client
U.S. companies offering quality solutions that match these opportunities should work with Commercial Specialist Golda Agnazata (Golda.Agnazata@trade.gov) at the U.S. Commercial Service in Qatar to explore matchmaking, market research, and other assistance.
Participate in U.S. trade shows
U.S. firms should reach out to CS Qatar to note participation in U.S. trade shows in the oil and gas, energy, and environmental technologies sectors. CS Qatar often recruits delegations to key shows and can introduce U.S. company executives to Qatari industry representatives and government officials at these shows.
Upcoming U.S. trade shows:
• POWERGEN International on January 23-25, 2024, New Orleans, Louisiana – POWERGEN International is the largest networking and business opportunity hub for electricity generators and solution providers engaged in power generation. This trade show attracts power producers, utilities, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPCs), consultants, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and large-scale energy users and features critical sector deep-dive discussions, knowledge hubs on the latest technologies, trends, and digitization, and industry panels. As large, centralized power generation business models evolve into cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, clean technology companies should attend this conference to connect with electricity professionals and support efforts toward the clean energy transition.
• WasteExpo on May 6-9, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada – WasteExpo is the leading tradeshow in solid waste, recycling, and organics markets in the United States that brings together the private sector, public sector, and waste management professionals from around the world. The conference focuses on sustainability, waste operations, fleet, and safety, recycling and landfill operations, and new trends, technologies, and innovation.
Participate in U.S. trade shows and exhibitions in Qatar:
U.S. firms interested in exploring clean tech and sustainability opportunities in Qatar should connect with CS Qatar. CS Qatar recruits U.S. companies to join trade missions to the region, which include customized one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, government officials, and joint venture partners.
• 2023 International Horticultural Exposition (Expo 2023) on October 2, 2023-March 28, 2024 – Expo 2023 is an International Horticultural Expo focused on the Green Desert concept, which entails modern agriculture practices based on clean technology and innovation, and enhanced environmental awareness, to attain sustainability. Expo 2023 will showcase the latest initiatives to fight climate change and combat desertification, increase vegetation, and boost food security. Cutting-edge technological displays and interactive exhibits will highlight the latest agricultural techniques such as hydroponics, permaculture and vermiculture, irrigation, and renewable energy supplies. Qatar is looking for small and medium sized enterprises to feature at the Expo 2023 pavilion. Contact CS Qatar if you’re interested in showcasing your product or service.
• COP 28 in November 2023 – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai. U.S. companies can take advantage of this large-scale, high-profile event to visit the region and conduct CS business-to-business matchmaking services in the Gulf region. Leverage COP 28 and the Gulf region’s commitment to sustainability to participate in business matchmaking programs across the GCC to meet with potential business partners.
Conduct Market Research
U.S. firms should closely monitor the following resources (hyperlinks included) to learn more about Qatar’s unique market and review potential opportunities:
• Ministry of Environment, for any information and updates on municipality and environmental related activities and announcements
• Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) for research and pilot project opportunities
• Al-Attiyah Foundation for upcoming webinars, symposia, and energy and environmental sector-related events in Qatar
• QE’s sustainability report to view QE’s areas of focus for their sustainability, clean tech, and energy efficiency needs.
For more information about opportunities in this sector, please contact: Golda Agnazata, Commercial Specialist, Golda.Agnazata@trade.gov