Abu Dhabi power demand expected to soar 80 % by 2012
14-05-08
Abu Dhabi expects demand for power to rise almost 80 % by 2012 on a boom
in the Gulf emirate's construction and industry sector, according to a
government forecast.
Demand will rise to 10,600 MW in 2012 from 5,910 MW this year, Abu Dhabi's
five-year strategic plan showed. Capacity will rise to 12,503 MW from 9,245
MW, led by two new power plants at Shuweihat to the west of the emirate.
International contractors are due to submit bids for Shuweihat 2 plant, Abu
Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) Chairman Sheikh Diyab bin
Zayed Al Nahyan told. The plant will have power capacity of 1,600 MW and
will also pump 100 mm gallons a day of water.
"We also plan to launch another strategic project, Shuweihat 3, with
capacity of 1,500 MW and 100 mm gallons of water," he said.
Demand for power in the world's largest oil-exporting region is surging on
population growth and commercial and industrial expansion fuelled by record
oil prices. ADWEA's director of privatisation Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi told he
expected at least three international groups would bid for Shuweihat 2. The
industry was facing challenges to meet growth needs due to a lack of
contractors to build new power plants, he said.
"Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has promised ADWEA more gas," Al Nuaimi
said. "Fuel is not the problem. The challenge is engineering, procurement
and construction contractors. There is too much competition in the market
with too many projects coming up."
Source: www.arabianbusiness.com
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