Fossil fuels dumped as poo power spreads in the UAE

An emirate in the UAE is using camel dung to generate electricity, along with other waste, in its push for energy efficiency.

A number of cement factories in Ras al-Khaimah are already using camel waste to fuel their operations, which the emirate says is green, sustainable and plentiful.

"Camel waste, trees and some solid trash have been converted into power that is now successfully used in operating cement factories," Dr Saif al-Ghais told Dubai-based daily, The Khaleej Times this week. 

"The process has helped reduce the amount of waste dumped into landfills." 

He said the waste of the ships of the desert could become an integral part of the oil-rich UAE's national strategy in preserving natural resources and encourage recycling.

"Studies are on to convert furnace heat into power to reduce dependence on electricity in operating cement factories here... The same applies to cooking oil that can hopefully be used in this major industry."

With around 40 million date palms in the UAE, environmentalists are also hoping to use palm fronds and other waste to help power industry.

The UAE remains a resource-rich country with oil and gas still the most popular energy sources in the country. 

Abu Dhabi and other emirates are attempting to move away from using natural resources to free up more oil and gas for export.

Solar, nuclear, biomass - and now camel poo - are viewed as possible alternative power sources for the Gulf state.