Utilities

Utility Expansion and Investment Congress in Dubai

The population in the Middle East is currently increasing at an average rate of 2.2 to 5.5% per annum (with the UAE growth rate reaching 7%), making the region one of the fastest growing in the world.

The required investment to ensure that supply meets the high demand in expansion is estimated at US$1 trillion over the next 20 years in the utility sector. The power, water, gas, and telecoms companies in the Middle East and North Africa are facing a big challenge but also an opportunity to expand their business.

Emirates starts work on world’s first zero-carbon city

This Gulf desert nation, one of the world’s most environmentally unfriendly with its ubiquitous air conditioning, swimming pools and SUVs, may be looking to redeem itself. It has begun building what it calls the world’s first zero-carbon city.

Environmentalists say the new city - powered mainly by solar energy and recycling waste and water - is a nice idea, but the Emirates shouldn’t stop there. “Every little bit helps,” said Jonathan Loh, a British biologist who co-authored a 2006 World Wildlife Fund report that measured consumption by nations around the world. “It would be best if the UAE reduced energy consumption throughout the country not just in one location.”

Ras Al Zour desalination plant to cost SAR14bn

Saudi Arabia’s Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) has allotted a SAR14 billion budget for building the desalination facility at Ras Al Zour. The project aims to have a daily output of 1 million cubic meters of desalinated water.

During a meeting with contactors coming forward to bid for the project, the Assistant Governor of the SWCC underpinned the importance of the project as its output will feed major cities in the Kingdom.

Project News - Dubai Venturing into Syngas Power Generating Technology

Dubai’s Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced it is looking to invest in a syngas power plant, to boost power generating capacity in the emirate. The technology used in syngas plants is gaining favour in Europe and North America as the quest for low-carbon emission power generation continues. Following this trend, for practical and strategic reasons, the UAE has several plans to implement new technologies for its power sector.

UAE backs global efforts to develop alternative fuels

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it would support efforts of the international community for developing sustainable energy sources.

"The UAE is well aware of the important role alternative fuels like hydrogen, ethanol and others will play in fuelling the global economy and mitigating impact of climate change,” Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, minister of environment and water said.

GCC countries turn to invest US$100 billion to meet water needs

Experts have estimated that the Middle East region’s water and water-treatment requirements will need up to US$250 billion investments to meet water needs.

Conservative estimates indicate that GCC member-states need to invest up to US$100 billion over the next decade to sustain economic growth pace.