Saudi Arabia: Power hungry

As the issue of how the Kingdom should meet its long-term electricity needs continues to cause concern, many are looking to the imminent restructuring of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) as the solution. The plan is the brainchild of the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) and will see SEC, which was established in 2000, completely restructured. The current structure was formed out of the consolidation of 10 regional electricity companies. As of now, it is responsible for undertaking electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as exporting and importing energy, conducting research and development and investing in power projects both in the Kingdom and abroad.

Bahrain's energy sector booming

Bahrain is set to emerge as one of the strongest energy markets in the world because of its enormous demand for power, a government official said. Electricity and Water Authority head Fahmi Al Jowder revealed that the consumption was already three times more than the international average due to the billions of dollars worth of development taking place in the country. "Strong growth in the volume of investments in different sectors of the GCC economies has seen the demand for power growing constantly in the recent years," he said.

Schneider Electric opens third factory in Egypt

Schneider Electric Egypt inaugurated its third manufacturing site in Egypt, located in Badr Industrial City, with a total investment of LE250 million, the company said in a statement. "Schneider Electric will use the latest construction technologies to ensure that the factory is echo-friendly, designed to dispose of industrial waste while having the least amount of negative impact on the environment," the statement read. Schneider Electric began operations in Egypt 22 years ago.

World Bank gives out US$166m grants, loans for irrigation projects

Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources has released a statement saying that the World Bank is providing funding for its irrigation and drainage projects in the country. The combined total of the grant and loan is $166 million. As many as 22 contracts have already been completed from a US$20 million World Bank grant to develop irrigation and drainage projects throughout Iraq and also to purchase some heavy machines and various equipment for the ministry's repair and maintenance workshops, field vehicles, computers, printers, copy machines and communications equipment.

Iraq earmarks US$3 billion for Baghdad subway

Iraq plans to build a subway in Baghdad to help cut pollution and ease traffic on the city's chronically clogged streets. Baghdad Mayor Sabir al-Issawi said that Iraq's Cabinet has earmarked US$3 billion for the project. The subway is the first in Baghdad and will have two lines.

Riyadh awards US$100m water contract to Al-Muhaidib

The Saudi Arabian contractor Al-Muhaidib Contracting Company has been awarded a SR375 million (US$100 million) supply and installation project for a water outflow pipe in North Jeddah. Twin pipes will carry water from a treatment plant located near the city's international airport and discharge it 500 metres into the Red Sea. The total distance of the pipes is 16.5 kilometres and the work will include excavation in some sections to depths of up to 11 metres. It also includes associated tunnelling and marine works. The project duration is expected to be two years. The Water Ministry is the client.

Seven firms in running for Oman dam project

Indian-based infrastructure firm Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) is among seven firms that have qualified to build a series of dams in Oman's Al Amerat Heights. Contracts are due to be issued in February, with construction set to begin soon after on the first of a series of dams at the Wadi Adai Flood Protection System. The other companies that have pre-qualified for the contract include Strabag Oman, Sinohydro Corporation, Consolidated Contractors Company, Galfar Engineering, Sambu Construction and SEW-CGGC.