Utilities

Qatar signs deal to build US$1bn power plants in Syria

Qatar has signed an agreement to build two new power plants in Syria at an estimated cost of US$1 billion. Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) will build the two 450 MW gas-fired power plants in collaboration with Syrian Qatari Holding (SQH), it was reported. Located close to the oil fields in the North Eastern Syria, the work is expected to begin before April 2011, QEWC general manager Fahad Hamad al Mohannadi, adding: "It provides QEWC with an opportunity to expand its base outside Qatar." QEWC, which earned QAR2.6 billion in 2009, is keen to expand its operations in Europe, Asia and the GCC countries, through new projects and acquisitions. The plant is expected to be fully operational by June 2013. Qatar has recently signed contracts worth QAR4.28 billion (US$1.17bn) as part of its bid to meet future demand for electricity in the Gulf state. The agreements included the setting up of 18 new substations, the upgrade of 11 others, in addition to the construction of a 400kV substation to support GCC power interconnection project. Phase nine of the Qatar Electricity Transmission Network project also covers the installation of 220 kilometers of new cables and more than 85 kilometers new overhead lines.

UAE, Oman sign electric linkage agreement

The Governments of the Sultanate of Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed the bilateral agreement on the electrical linkage between the two countries. The projected electrical power to be transmitted through the dual linkage lines between the Sultanate and UAE is 200-mega watt at maximum in the current phase. This will be raised in the future to 400-mega watt. The energy between the two countries will be transmitted and exchanged through a 220 kv power line between Al Ain area in Abdu Dhabi and the wilayat of Mahdha in the Al Buraimi governorate and 33 kv power lines between the Musandam Governorate and the Northern Emirates in UAE. In a statement to the press, Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council said that the signing of the electrical linkage agreement with UAE is part of the dual power linkage between the two countries. He also pointed out that the dual power linkage between the two countries would provide the required electrical coverage, exchange it, and improve energy system, in addition to, the exchange of capacities and expertise in the field of electricity between the Sultanate and UAE, he added. ‘The dual power linkage aims at availing energy for citizens in both countries by transmission of energy in a reliable and sustainable manner that help in meeting the growing demand for electricity and avoid power disruption. It will also enhance the contribution of the electricity sector in the GDP of both countries and contribute to the development of industries, he furthered.

Al Dur plant is ready to start production

A massive US$2 billion (BD756m) new power and water plant being built to meet Bahrain's surging demand will start commercial production of electricity in the next two months, a top official said. "The 1,234 mw Al Dur Independent Water and Power Project, located on Bahrain's South Eastern coast, which is set to be fully commissioned in June next year, will begin commercially producing 400 mw by the end of June," said EWA distribution and customer services deputy chief executive Adnan Fakhroo. He added that the plant's water output will be around 48 million gallons and that would also go into full production by next year. "The backbone transmission system is also being expanded equally with the introduction of 10 new 220 kilowatt sub stations and 29 new 66 KV sub stations in the next two years," he said.

Middle East global 'hot spot' for multi-billion dollar power projects

The coming two decades are expected to see the biggest ever expansion of power generation capacity in the Arabian Gulf countries with the coming year seen as a turning point, say leading industry observers. "With the economic climate changing and growth continuing, we expect to see a plethora of power projects emerging as countries put the finishing touches to their multi-billion dollar plans," said Anita Mathews, Exhibition Director of Middle East Electricity, the region's largest trade show for the power and energy sector now in its 36th year. The main focuses of Middle East Electricity include power generation, transmission and distribution; commercial, industrial and residential lighting; water; new and renewable energy; and nuclear energy. "Throughout the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, power utility companies are looking at having to meet the doubling and in some cases even tripling of demand and consumption within the next 20 years," Mathews added. The Middle East Electricity show organizers said more than 60 per cent of the available exhibition space had already been sold for next year's event from 8 to 10 February 2011 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. "We confidently expect the show to sell out months in advance of opening such is the intense importance of the region to the worldwide energy industry.

Larsen & Toubro wins US$82m Oman power contract

Engineering firm Larsen & Toubro has been awarded an OAR31.5 million (US$81.8m) contract to revamp and extend electrical networks in Oman's Dhahira region, a tender board official said. "Larsen & Toubro will upgrade and expand the power distribution network in Ibri and Dhank to cater for the growing electrical demand in those towns," the tender board official said. Oman has set aside about US$18 billion this year to spend on projects to improve its infrastructure and energy sector.