Utilities

First solar power plant to be constructed in Egypt

Electricity Minister Hassan Yunis signed a contract to set up the first solar power station in Egypt with investments of LE870m. The 140-MW plant will be built in Al-Koraimat, Bani Suwayf Governorate, Yunis said in statements after the signing. The project comes as part of the electricity sector's plan to make the best use of renewable energies.

U.S. concerned as Iraq awards power deals to Iran and China

Iraq has agreed to award US$1.1 billion in contracts to Iranian and Chinese companies to build a pair of enormous power plants, the Iraqi electricity minister said. Word of the project prompted serious concerns among American military officials, who fear that Iranian commercial investments can mask military activities at a time of heightened tension with Iran.

Chinese firm awarded US$970m contract as foreign companies rehabilitate Iraq's shattered electricity sector

A number of international firms have won contracts to rehabilitate or build a number of electrical stations throughout Iraq in order to generate more badly needed electricity for the country and reduce power outages in Baghdad and the governorates.? The ministry has signed a contract with two British companies to rehabilitate the Hilla gas-powered station in Babylon and also build the Bazargan station in Imara. He hinted that an Italian company will rehabilitate both al-Dibs and al-Dora gas-powered stations in Baghdad at a cost of ?50m.

Nasiriyya receives the US$250m Unified Water projects from the American Flora Co.

The local authorities in Nasiriyya have taken over control of the Greater Unified Nasiriyya Water Project from the American administration. It is located in the Badaa area of the Shatra County in the governorate of Thi-Qar.? The project is now ready for operation after the American Flora Company had built it in cooperation with the Iraqi Qaswaa Company.

Saudi Arabia: Water contracts

Contracts to provide water facilities and operating services for three Saudi industrial cities were recently signed by Hashem Yamani, the minister of commerce and industry and chairman of the Saudi Organisation for Industrial Estates and Technology Zones (SOIETZ). In April 2007, the minister of water and electricity, Abdullah Al Hussayen, announced US$93.33 billion was necessary for water projects within the kingdom over the next 20 years.