November 6, 2024
Al Watania Poultry to launch high-capacity cooling plant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Al Watania Poultry, a leading poultry producer in Saudi Arabia, has announced plans to construct a new mega cooling plant with a capacity of 17,700 kW at its Riyadh facility.
In partnership with engineering group GEA, Al Watania will oversee the procurement and construction of the plant, reinforcing the company's commitment to modernising and ensuring efficiency within its operations.
This initiative reflects Al Watania's focus on food security and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia, while embracing advanced technology to enhance the productivity of its facilities and workforce. As the 24th largest poultry producer worldwide, Al Watania Poultry supplies 30% of the kingdom's poultry, positioning itself as a vital contributor to national food security.
The cooling plant will support multiple biothermal loads within the facility, including a high-capacity automated slaughterhouse capable of processing 36,000 birds per hour. It will also provide cooling for the facility's cold storages and three box freezers.
Acting CEO Mohammed bin Hamad Alshaya shared that the new cooling project aims to boost the capabilities of Slaughterhouse No 3, enhancing freezing capacity with modern, energy-efficient systems that replace older setups. This update is expected to reduce power usage while maintaining optimal operational efficiency. The plant will operate automatically with advanced control systems, adjusting cooling and freezing levels in response to the facility's needs. Temperature monitoring is continuous to ensure product quality, and engineers can remotely oversee the plant's operations, receiving real-time reports on its performance.
Aligned with Al Watania Poultry's environmental goals, the company is also taking measures to reduce harmful emissions. Partnering with Dutch company Azzuro, Al Watania is implementing biofiltration technology at its water treatment plants. This system is capable of purifying 15,000 cubic meters of gas emissions per hour, aiming to decrease the environmental impact of the plant's operations.
Additionally, Al Watania is collaborating with Tadweem Power Company and other partners to explore renewable energy sources to minimise diesel emissions. In cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and the Saudi Electricity Company, Al Watania is working to connect its facility to the national grid, intending to replace liquid fuels with cleaner energy sources.
Alshaya underscored the company's dedication to sustainability and community service by adhering to strict environmental standards, pursuing safe practices that conserve natural resources, and upholding principles of sustainable development. Through these initiatives, Al Watania Poultry continues to strengthen its role in Saudi Arabia's food security landscape and support the kingdom's environmental goals.
- Zawya
