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Abu Dhabi foreign trade grows 9%
10 Mar 10, Gulf News
Abu Dhabi's foreign trade rose to Dh112.071 billion in 2009, an increase of 9 per cent over 2008, Saeed Ahmad Abdullah Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, said yesterday
Economic growth in UAE forecast to double
09 Mar 10, The National
Economic growth in the UAE will more than double this year to 3.2 per cent as oil prices strengthen and business activity picks up, the Minister of Economy says.
UAE power demand seen tripling by 2020
09 Mar 10, Arabian Business
Electricity demand is likely to triple in the UAE by 2020 and nuclear energy will play a key role in meeting future needs, a top official has said.
UAE believes in responsible use of nuclear power
09 Mar 10, Khaleej Times
The United Arab Emirates’ interest in developing nuclear energy is motivated by the need to develop additional sources of electricity.
Subcontracts to be Awarded Soon
09 Mar 10, Khaleej Times
KEPCO will start awarding contracts to start building the first nuclear reactor in the country in about two months, a senior executive said. KEPCO aims to complete the four 1,400-megawatt reactors by 2020. The UAE expects to start its first nuclear power plant in 2017. It expects nuclear energy to eventually account for 25 per cent of its power requirements.
Kuwait to have nuclear power within 7 years
09 Mar 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait is aiming to have a nuclear power station operational within seven years, a Kuwaiti minister told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
South Korea eyes four extra UAE nuclear deals
08 Mar 10, Arabian Business
South Korea hopes to build an additional four nuclear reactors in the United Arab Emirates, the country’s ambassador said on Monday.
UAE's nuclear regulator issues its first licence
07 Mar 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE's independent regulator for the nuclear sector, has issued the first licence to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). This licence authorises ENEC to study potential sites to assess their suitability for the location of nuclear power plants. The licence was approved by FANR’s Board of Management, the highest decision-making body in the authority, following FANR’s review of ENEC application.
UAE's non-oil exports rise to $18bn in 2009
06 Mar 10, Arabian Business
The UAE's non oil exports rose to $17.97 billion in 2009, from $16.3 billion the previous year, state news agency WAM reported on Saturday.
Saudi SEC power capacity to rise by 12,043MWs by 2015
04 Mar 10, Arabian Business
State-controlled Saudi Electricity Co said it would add 12,043 megawatts to its power generation capacity through 2015 to meet rising power demand in the top OPEC oil exporter
Saudi extends bid deadline for power project
04 Mar 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Saudi state-run utility the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) has agreed to extend by one month the deadline for bids to build a giant power and water project, a senior source said. The project in Ras Azzour, on the Gulf coast, is expected to be the world’s largest when completed during the last quarter of 2013. It will have the capacity to generate 2,400 megawatts of electricity and product 1,025 million cubic metres of desalinated water per day.
QEWC posts 22% rise in net profits in 2009
02 Mar 10, Arabian Business
The Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC), the Gulf nation’s state-run utility, has posted a 22 percent rise in net profits during 2009, on the back of favourable economic conditions in the country. QEWC says that when Ras Girtas comes online, it will be the largest power and water plant in the Gulf region. The site is 85 percent complete and is expected to begin operations in April 2011.
Kingdom positioning itself as regional hub
02 Mar 10, Jordan Times
The Kingdom is positioning itself as an energy and transport connection hub for the entire region and Europe, a senior government official said on Monday. Jordan’s infrastructure programme has been a pioneer in connecting Arab electricity grids.
UAE to commission first nuclear plant in 2017
01 Mar 10, Trade Arabia
The United Arab Emirates, which has launched an ambitious nuclear power programme, will commission its first nuclear power plant in 2017, the country's oil minister said on Tuesday.
Yemen to invest $1.5bn to boost power capacity
28 Feb 10, AME Info
Salah al-Attar, head of Yemen's General Investment Authority, has said the country wants to invest $1.5bn to boost power generation capacity by almost 1,400 megawatts to end constant outages across the country
New power substation in Basra
28 Feb 10, Aswat al-Iraq
Iraqi Electricity Minister Kareem Waheed on Saturday placed the foundation stone of the first power substation in Basra. "The plant will have a capacity of 400 KV"
Qatar: Power generation to take giant leap
27 Feb 10, The Peninsula
Qatar's electricity generation would take a quantum jump during the next eight years registering a 140.2 percent increase. This would be the highest rate in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, forecast Business Monitor International (BMI).
Saudi Arabia: Al-Shaqiq 2 Project is almost complete, set for provision of 212,000 Cubic Meters of Desalinated Water
27 Feb 10, Saudi Press Agency
Al-Shaqiq-2 Project will provide Assir and Jazan regions with 212,000 cubic meters of desalinated water and 850 megawatts of electricity a day.
US pledges support for UAE nuclear programme
25 Feb 10, Gulf News
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu Wednesday said Washington plans to help the UAE develop its nuclear power for peaceful purposes
UAE-US committed to stronger energy partnership
24 Feb 10, Khaleej Times
UAE Minister of State for Foreign affairs, H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash, and the US Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu , signed an implementation arrangement between UAE Foreign Ministry and US Department of Energy concerning information exchange and cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy on February 24, 2009 in Abu Dhabi.
UAE continues to set standards
24 Feb 10, Gulf News
The UAE is right to provide a very high degree of transparency on its nuclear programme, and it has made an excellent start over the past year while setting up companies and regulatory authorities. This week the government has gone one step further by appointing an International Advisory Board, made up of very senior figures from the nuclear industry, to be chaired by Dr Hans Blix, the former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Oman: Total electrification of all villages by 2012
24 Feb 10, Oman Daily Observer
Within next two years, all the villages across the breadth and width of the country will be provided with electricity and some remotest and inaccessible areas will be getting solar and wind energy, according to the chief of Rural Areas Electricity Company (S.A.O.C), Oman's electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply company
Abu Dhabi to focus on investing in infrastructure
23 Feb 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Abu Dhabi said yesterday it would give priority to infrastructure in government spending for the next few years as part of its long-term development blueprint intended to achieve sustained growth in the oilreliant economy
Qatar Link road between Bani Hajer and Izghava completed
23 Feb 10, The Peninsula
The project, costing QR170m, includes an eight-kilometre-long dual carriageway separated with a median and supported by service roads on both sides. The works also included renovated drainage infrastructure works implemented through micro tunneling, electricity and water infrastructure, a telephone network, street lighting and walkways.
Jordan: South Korean nuclear delegation arrives in Kingdom
23 Feb 10, Jordan Times
A South Korean delegation arrived in Amman on Monday to enter the third round of negotiations towards building the Kingdom’s first nuclear research reactor. The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) this week is looking to conclude financial and technical negotiations for the construction of a nuclear research .
Former top UN arms inspector Dr Hans Blix to head UAE nuclear advisory body
22 Feb 10, Gulf News
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has announced the establishment of an International Advisory Board (IAB) for the development of nuclear energy with former UN chief inspector Dr Hans Blix as its chairman.
UAE establishes IAB to support the N-Program
22 Feb 10, Khaleej Times
The UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs today announced the establishment of an International Advisory Board to provide assistance to the UAE nuclear program. The International Advisory Board (IAB) will provide the UAE nuclear program with the benefit of the expertise and knowledge of a highly select group of internationally recognized experts in the fields of peaceful nuclear energy.
$108billion to develop new ports and cities in Kuwait
22 Feb 10, Kuwait Times
Among the projects Al-Sagar mentioned were construction of railway system, seaports, new industrial cities and investments in power, water, oil, health and education sectors.
Iran to privatize 20 power plants
18 Feb 10, Tehran Times
Iranian deputy energy minister said twenty power plants will be privatized in the first half of the next Iranian year (to end September 20, 2010). The Mehr News Agency quoted Mohammad Behzad as saying that six new power plants have been proposed to the Iranian Privatization Organization (IPO) and four other ones will be suggested by the end of the year (March 20, 2010) to be privatized.
Jordan to offer nuclear safety education programmes
17 Feb 10, AME Info
Jordan's cabinet has agreed to establish a centre of excellence for energy and mega projects in the kingdom through launching academic programs in public universities.
Jordan: Nuclear safety law in final stages
17 Feb 10, Jordan Times
Authorities are finalising a law on nuclear safety to set a regulatory framework for the Kingdom’s peaceful nuclear programme, an official said on Tuesday. The Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC) is in its final stages of reviewing the law, which was drafted with the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Oman: New projects worth RO79.9m awarded
16 Feb 10, Oman Daily Observer
The Tender Board awarded projects worth 79.97 million rials during its first meeting of the year here yesterday. Tenders include supply of 20 MVA, 33/11/kv tension power transformer (RO 724,960)
Smart technologies have great saving potential for GCC utilities sector
15 Feb 10, AME Info
Smart Metering and Smart Grids are currently hot topics in the Middle East mainly driven by potential risks of supply and demand imbalances of electricity, which may impact the economic growth of the region say experts at A.T. Kearney, a leading global management consultancy.
Bahrain eyes power grid connection to UAE by 2011
14 Feb 10, Arabian Business
Bahrain is on course to connect its electricity grid to the UAE by January 2011 if not earlier, according to the CEO of the kingdom's electricity and water authority (EWA).
UAE meets nuclear gold standard
14 Feb 10, The National
The UAE’s civil nuclear energy programme is being developed to “global gold standards” and could be a model for other nations, according to a leading figure in the nuclear arms reduction movement.
The nuclear energy era has begun
14 Feb 10, Gulf News
An increasing demand for electricity in the UAE has sparked government plans to expand into the nuclear energy field
Abu Dhabi utility invites developers for new project
11 Feb 10, Gulf News
The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) has begun selecting a developer or a developer consortium that will own a 40 per cent stake in the Shuweihat S3 independent power project, Adwea said in an announcement on its website.
Nuclear energy holds the key
11 Feb 10, Gulf News
Emerging countries around the world are banking on a raft of new nuclear reactor power plants to meet world electricity demand expected to double to 33,000TWh [terawatt-hours] by 2030, said Dr Robert Hawley, a speaker at the Middle East Electricity exhibition in Dubai.
Nuclear power best choice to preserve environment
11 Feb 10, Gulf News
As nations become conscious of the need to meet future energy demands and are looking for ways to leave a smaller carbon print, nuclear power is gradually emerging as the perfect solution
UAE - UK trade talks take place
10 Feb 10, Arabian Business
Initial talks have taken place in an effort to increase trade between the UAE and the UK by 60 percent to GBP12bn by 2012.
Oman Electricity to spend $520m in next 3 years
09 Feb 10, Arabian Business
Oman Electricity Transmission Co plans to spend OR200m ($520m) on projects in the next three years, according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday.
Saudi SWCC spends to extend power, water plant life
09 Feb 10, Arabian Business
Saudi state-run utility the Saline Water Conversion Corp (SWCC) is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to revamp its power and water plants and extend their lifespan, an SWCC official said.
European Union, Jordan to embark on two year nuclear safety project
07 Feb 10, Jordan Times
The European Union and the Kingdom will work closely to develop a nuclear safety framework under a two-year project announced on Saturday. The Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC) announced yesterday a one million euro project funded by the EU Delegation in Amman to support staff training ahead of major developments in the Kingdom’s peaceful nuclear power programme
UAE overtakes Saudi to become top Arab exporter in 2009
04 Feb 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE overtook Saudi Arabia to become the largest Arab exporter of goods and services in 2009 but the kingdom could be back on top in 2010, official figures showed yesterday.
UAE top choice for GCC investors as 80% investments come from region
03 Feb 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE has emerged as the best destination for investors from its partners in the GCC, attracting more than 22,000 investors from those countries until the beginning of 2009, according to official data.
Egypt to launch international tender for thermal plant
02 Feb 10, Daily News Egypt
The Ministry of Electricity launched yesterday the first international tender for a thermal power generation plant in Egypt under the build-operate-own (BOO) system to generate 1500 megawatts, reported Al-Ahram.
Kuwait to spend $16.6bn on projects
02 Feb 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The Kuwaiti cabinet has allocated $16.6 billion (Dh60.9bn) for capital spending in the next fiscal year starting April 1 as part of a four-year development plan, said a government statement said. It did not name the projects but said five public shareholding companies would be established to implement them, and one of the projects is for power generation.
Iran: Power projects worth $2b to come on stream
02 Feb 10, Iran Daily
Iranian deputy energy minister said that 2,200 projects in the power sector worth 20 trillion rials (around $2 billion) will be inaugurated during the Ten-Day Dawn (February 1-10, marking the victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution).
Egypt signs four electricity contracts for national grid
01 Feb 10, Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Ministry of Electricity and Energy signed four new contracts to link East Oweinat with the national electricity grid.
Iraq: ID1.2b to stretch power to 10 villages north of Arbil
01 Feb 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The sum of 1.2 billion Iraqi dinars was appropriated to extend electricity services to 10 villages in the district of Rawndoz, north of Arbil, according to the Mayor Sirwan Sereni on Sunday.
Heavy public spending and high oil prices to boost Saudi economy
31 Jan 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Heavy public spending will ally with higher oil prices and production to boost Saudi Arabia's economy by 3-5 per cent in the next three years. We expect investment in hydrocarbons, utilities, transport, education infrastructure and other sectors to remain robust
Abu Dhabi eyeing AED45bn investments over 5yrs - paper
29 Jan 10, Arabian Business
Existing and new companies to be set up in the next five years in Abu Dhabi are estimated to invest over AED45bn, according to a report.
Qatar expected to award power deal in 2010
28 Jan 10, Arabian Business
Qatar, the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, is expected to award a deal for a new 2,000 megawatt power plant this year, a senior official from the Qatar Power Company said on Wednesday.
Iraq: German firm to invest in 5 power stations in Salah al-Din
27 Jan 10, Aswat al-Iraq
Salah al-Din Investment Commission granted a German firm a permission to construct five steam-driven power stations in the province
Iraq: Power transformation station in Basra
27 Jan 10, Aswat al-Iraq
A new power transformation station will be established in the city of Basra within 23 months, an official of the local council's electricity department said on Wednesday
Oman Bids for Barka, Sohar power projects to open today
27 Jan 10, Oman Daily Observer
Bids submitted by international developers competing for mandates to establish a pair of Independent Power Projects (IPPs) at Barka and Sohar are due to be opened today.
Jordan, Algeria discuss nuclear cooperation
27 Jan 10, Jordan News Agency
Jordan and Algeria signed on Tuesday the minute on nuclear energy cooperation and exchanging technical expertise
Diesel generator projects proposed
27 Jan 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE and other Gulf oil producers need to set up major diesel generator projects to take advantage of a rapid growth in demand for such machines because of a steady expansion in the power sector.
Private sector key to infrastructure growth
25 Jan 10, Emirates Business 24/7
As the need for infrastructure development increases across the region, private sector will play an important role in meeting the demands, said analysts. Private sector can take up projects like power plants, water desalination, highways etc.
Region needs $80bn power investment
24 Jan 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Arab nations need to invest nearly $80 billion (Dh293bn) into projects to boost their power production capacity in the next five years to meet a rapid growth in domestic demand, an official report said yesterday.
Oman to spend $6 Billion on electricity expansion
24 Jan 10, Oman Press Agency
Oman says it plans to spend over $6 billion by 2016 to boost its electricity generating capacity, including building a new plant and expanding two others. Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Mahrouki, the head of Oman's General Authority for Electricity and Water, said Sunday that increased economic and industrial activity in the sultanate had almost doubled electricity demand over the past decade to 3,808 megawatts.
Jordan Advancing Nuclear Program
24 Jan 10, The Media Line
The Jordanian government has signed a deal with Spain as part of moves to accumulate cooperation agreements for its peaceful nuclear program. The signing of the nuclear cooperation agreement (NCA) with Spain, which covers areas such as exchange of expertise, nuclear fuel management and the drafting of legislation, is the eighth such deal that Jordan has signed so far.
Oman: Al Ghubrah IWPP contract award set for October
21 Jan 10, Oman Daily Observer
The state-owned Oman Power and Water Procurement Co (OPWP) is targeting an October 1, 2010 timeframe for the award of a contract for the establishment of a new Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP) at Al Ghubrah in Muscat Governorate. Envisaged at Al Ghubrah is a gas-fired plant with a generation capacity of 450-600 MW of electricity, alongside a water desalination component of 30 million gallons per day (MIGD) capacity
Jordan, Spain sign nuclear agreement
21 Jan 10, Jordan News Agency
Jordan and Spain signed on Wednesday a cooperation agreement on the peaceful purposes for nuclear energy including desalination and generating electricity.
GCC economy to hit $2tn in next decade - NCB
20 Jan 10, Arabian Business
The GCC is set to become a $2 trillion economy in the next decade and will become increasingly more important to the global economy, according to a new report.
Abu Dhabi economy set to grow 4% - govt official
19 Jan 10, Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's economy is expected to grow by up to 4 percent this year and the Gulf emirate is comfortable with oil prices at around $80 a barrel, a government official said on Monday.
7 power networks at $25m in Basra
17 Jan 10, Aswat al-Iraq
Seven power networks were inaugurated in different areas of Basra province on Sunday after their rehabilitation was finalized at 2.95 billion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 million), according to the an official from the company carrying out the project
Kuwait set to sign nuclear cooperation with France
14 Jan 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait and France will sign an agreement on Thursday to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, a French official said.
UAE marks $29bln for infrastructure in 2010
14 Jan 10, Maktoob Business
The UAE has earmarked just about a third of its 2010 budget - 10.7 billion dirhams ($2.9 billion) - to infrastructure projects, daily newspaper Gulf News reported on Thursday. "The infrastructure budget for the UAE is dedicated mainly to core infrastructure spending, particularly in the areas of road and transport and public utilities, including power and desalination as well as waste facilities and management
Nuclear programme will clean up the skies
11 Jan 10, The National
Abu Dhabi’s decision to turn to nuclear power will in 10 years cut the country’s future carbon emissions by 32 million tonnes a year, equivalent to the total carbon footprint of Bahrain, new Government figures show.
Touqan: Jordan forges ahead to exploit nuclear power
06 Jan 10, Jordan News Agency
President of Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) Khalid Touqan discussed on Wednesday with a group of US congressional aides, who are currently on an official visit to the Kingdom, the peaceful nuclear programme that would turn the kingdom into an electricity exporter.
Fewa to finish utility projects in two years
06 Jan 10, Emirates Business 24/7
The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) will finish installing power and water connections to industrial and commercial projects in the Northern Emirates within two years, the Minister of Energy, Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hameli, told the Federal National Council on Monday.
GCC power grid first phase launched
15 Dec 09, Trade Arabia
His Majesty King Hamad took part in the launch of phase one of a common GCC power grid along with other GCC leaders.
UAE's non-oil trade seen growing 10% in 2009
15 Dec 09, Arabian Business
The UAE's non-oil trade is set to grow by 10 percent in 2009 as the country continues to diversify its economy, a senior official has said. Sheikha Lubna Al-Qassimi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, said non-oil sectors currently account for 63 percent of the country's gross domestic product and has been growing dramatically over recent years.
Abu Dhabi to award $7b in contracts
10 Dec 09, Gulf News
Abu Dhabi is expected to award $7 billion (Dh25 billion) worth of construction contracts this month, amidst the continuing progress of many developments which are attracting contractors and investors alike.
UAE-US nuclear deal becomes a reality
17 Nov 09, Khaleej Times
The historic agreement between the UAE and the US on the peaceful development of nuclear energy is now a reality, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, confirmed.
Saudi's need $80bn for electricity by 2020 - agency
14 Nov 09, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia said it would need to invest SR300bn riyals ($80bn) in electricity generation and distribution over the next ten years to cater for domestic demand that is growing by 8 percent a year.
ADWEA to call tenders for new power and desalination plants
11 Nov 09, Gulf News
New plant to produce 1,500MW of electricity annually besides pumping 60-100 million gallons of water daily
Abu Dhabi sees sharp rise in water electricity demand
10 Nov 09, Arabian Business
Water and electricity demand in Abu Dhabi is expected to rise 7 to 8 percent over next five years
Oman issues tenders for steam and power plants
2 Nov 09, Gulf News
Muscat: State-run Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has issued three tenders for the construction of steam production facilities and a power plant in the south of the country.
New power lines raise faint hopes of a revival
26 Oct 09, The National
The federal supplier of electricity to the northern Emirates, long hindered by acute power shortages, has announced what experts say is a "modest" strengthening of power transmission and distribution in the area.
UAE to award nuclear power contracts November at earliest
24 Oct 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE could award its $40 billion deal to build nuclear reactors as early as next month as the power agreement received tacit US approval through not being blocked by the US Congress. The UAE plans to start producing power from the first nuclear reactor in the Gulf Arab region as early as 2015 as part of a $40-billion nuclear programme that would set a precedent for members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
UAE, UK eye 60% increase in joint trade by 2015
22 Oct 09, Arabian Business
The UAE and the UK are to set up taskforces to encourage closer trade ties in "critical sectors", following top-level talks in London. Officials also said they wanted trade between the nations to increase from its current GBP7.5bn ($12.4bn) to GBP12bn ($19.9bn) by 2015.
Abu Dhabi will meet water and power needs
20 Oct 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Abu Dhabi has drawn up strategies to tackle the energy and water demands of its growing population, which is expected to cross three million in the next 20 years. Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 (Vision 2030) sees the capital aim for conservation and production of vital resources through effective town planning.
Adwea raises Dh8billion in funding
20 Oct 09, Gulf News
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) said on Monday it had raised Dh8 billion ($2.18 billion) to fund its Shuweihat S2 water and electricity generation project.
First phase of GCC power grid venture complete - Saudi official
19 Oct 09, Kuna
Deputy Minister of Water and Electricity in Saudi Arabia Dr. Saleh Al-Awaji affirmed on Monday first phase of the Gulf Cooperation Council power grid had been finished and that the whole joint project would be completed either next year or the year after.
UAE leads GCC's nuke power rush
15 Oct 09, Arabian Business
The UAE hopes to open the first nuclear reactor in the Gulf Arab countries in 2017 as part of a $40bn nuclear programme that would compete for engineers and nuclear equipment for decades and set a precedent for cashrich members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Two power and water stations in the pipeline
15 Oct 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) will build two large power and water stations over the next two years, Director of Privatisation Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi said.
GCC foreign direct investment inflows up 32pc
15 Oct 09, Trade Arabia
GCC foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows grew 31.5 per cent last year, according to a report. It grew 57.2 per cent during the period 2003-2008 on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) basis
Dubal wins regional Power Generation award
14 Oct 09, AME Info
The efforts of state-owned Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal) to improve the overall efficiency, reliability and security of its captive power station have been recognised at regional level, through receipt of the Power Generation and Water Solutions "Transmission and Distribution Project of the Year Award" for 2009.
Enviromena sweeps at Middle East Power and Water Awards
13 Oct 09, AME Info
Enviromena Power Systems (Enviromena), a leading alternative energy developer, celebrated a double win at the inaugural Middle East Power and Water Awards yesterday collecting both the "Power Plant Operator of the Year" and "Energy Efficiency" awards at the inaugural Middle East Power and Water Awards held in Abu Dhabi.
Power and Water solutions showcased at Power Generation and Water Solutions Middle East
12 Oct 09, AME Info
Power Generation & Water Middle East, a key platform for the power and water industries to find products and solutions that will help them meet the key strategic and technical challenges facing the countries of the Middle East, was officially opened by H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister for Environment & Water
Law on nuclear energy embodies peaceful nature of programme
12 Oct 09, Gulf News
The UAE has informed the United Nations that the law it has passed recently on the peaceful use of nuclear energy was an important step to embody a peaceful nature to all aspects of its nuclear programme which will come into commercial operation in 2017.
Gargash: GCC countries to spend $US70b on energy projects in 09
10 Oct 09, UAE Interact
Renewable energy is the only sustainable solution for securing world energy, said UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash. He said that the GCC countries were expected to spend 70 million US dollars on energy projects during 2009, half of which in power and water sectors. He added that the Gulf region enjoys a climate that enables development and export of solar energy.
Iraq: $855,000 for 13 electricity projects in Karbala
10 Oct 09, Aswat al-Iraq
Work to execute 13 new projects to improve electricity in Karbala started on Saturday in the province, said Governor Amalaldin al-Hur. Engineer al-Hur said that the total cost of the projects is around $855 thousand.
Iraq: Power distribution plant opened in Sulaimaniya
09 Oct 09, Aswat al-Iraq
A power distribution plant was inaugurated in the city of Sulaimaniya at a cost of $9.398 million, according to a statement released on Friday by the national information center.
UAE ranked India's top trading partner
08 Oct 09, Khaleej Times
The UAE was India's top trading partner in 2008-2009, with two-way trade for non-oil products valued at $44.5 billion. The UAE was also India's top export destination with exports amounting to $24 billion.
Nuclear Power: UAE Shows the Way
06 Oct 09, Khaleej Times
By banning nuclear enrichment even as it seeks nuclear power, the UAE has added another first to its already crowded cap.
UAE to set up region's first nuclear reactor by 2017
05 Oct 09, Gulf News
The UAE's first nuclear reactor is expected to come online by 2017, making the country the first nuclear operator in the region.
UAE's nuclear strategy is trail blazing
05 Oct 09, Gulf News
The nuclear energy law shows the UAE offering international leadership in the nuclear arena, using its resources to set up a safe and totally transparent system, which other countries can follow. It is a brave and exciting development.
Khalifa issues law on peaceful uses of nuclear energy
04 Oct 09, Gulf News
The government on Sunday approved legislation regulating the development of nuclear energy, paving the way for the construction contract to be awarded to one of three known consortia vying to build the UAE's first nuclear power plants
ID5b for generating electricity in Falluja
04 Oct 09, Aswat al-Iraq
The Iraqi Electricity Ministry started the process of executing a new diesel-driven power generating project in Falluja at a total cost of ID5 billion.
UAE poised for comeback
04 Oct 09, Gulf News
The UAE will be one of the regional economies that will make the strongest comeback from the impact of the global meltdown, according to economists and bankers.
Jordan: Kingdom candidate to host nuclear safety centre
04 Oct 09, Jordan Times
The Kingdom may become a regional training centre for nuclear safety and security under a proposal being considered by the Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC).
New cable required for effective national grid
30 Sept 09, Gulf News
Strengthening of the transmission cable of the national grid could help the UAE achieve a greater balance of electricity distribution across the country and help power-hungry emirates such as Sharjah and Ajman to meet growing demand, a top official said.
Poor planning hampers power grid
30 Sept 09, The National
Deeply subsidised energy prices and inadequate co-ordination by local governments have contributed to widespread electricity shortages in the northern emirates, the head of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) has said
Electricity minister opens 2 new power units in Najaf
30 Sept 09, Aswat al-Iraq
The Iraqi Electricity Minister Kareem Waheed on Wednesday opened two new power units at the Najaf gas-driven generation station. The new units will add 246 Megawatts to the existing 75 Megawatts capacity of the station. The total cost of the project was $59 million.
UAE for peaceful use of N-energy
28 Sept 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE's interest in developing a programme for the peaceful use of nuclear energy stems from its desire to meet its growing energy needs, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said yesterday.
GCC to create regional nuclear training centre
28 Sept 09, Gulf News
Representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) will meet on Monday in Doha to discuss various strategies to establish a regional nuclear training centre for GCC countries
Gulf project spending to soar
27 Sept 09, Gulf News
Infrastructure spending of Gulf countries is expected to reach $205 billion (Dh752 billion) by 2013. Power and water projects in the GCC, which fall under the infrastructure umbrella, are largely carried out by quasi-government entities, and these projects are seen as a high priority, as the additional capacity is urgently required to address demands of the region's growing population.
Qatar power boost will end era of blackouts - official
23 Sept 09, Arabian Business
The days of power blackouts in Qatar are over and the Gulf state will now look to export electricity to other GCC countries struggling to meet demand, energy chiefs have announced.
Added power: Qatar hopes to export electricity
23 Sept 09, The Peninsula
Qatar, a power surplus country, can now hope to comfortably export electricity to neighbouring GCC countries through the regional grid as power generation here has gone up by 1,000 megawatts (MW).
SEC Spends SR142billion on Electricity Projects
18 Sept 09, Saudi Press Agency
Saudi Electricity Company said that the costs of projects approved since the establishment of the company on 5/4/2000 until the end of 2008 amounted to SR142 billion for the sector of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and support in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
IEA urges use of nuclear and renewable energy
17 Sept 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has asked the world's prominent power consumers to resort to nuclear energy and other renewable resources and to abandon carbon dioxide producing means of generation. The recommendations of the Western world's energy watchdog come in sync with the steps already being taken in the UAE.
Up to 90% of Sharjah hit by power blackout
15 Sept 09, Arabian Business
Up to 90 percent of Sharjah was without power for ours on Monday evening as businesses and residents suffered one of the worst blackouts yet. From 3-7.30pm, huge parts of the emirate were without electricity with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority blaming the disruptions on cable maintenance work and warning that power may not be fully restored until Eid
Kuwait to invest $17bn in utilities projects
14 Sept 09, AME Info
Kuwait is planning to build eleven power and seven water projects by 2017 at a cost of KD5bn ($17.4bn)
Jordan-Canada to ink nuclear cooperation agreement, Tuesday
14 Sept 09, Jordan Times
Jordan and Canada will sign on Tuesday an agreement in the field of nuclear administrative procedures, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Mohammad acts to secure nuclear energy
11 Sept 09, Gulf News
To continue its rapid and impressive growth in the coming years, the UAE has committed itself to making nuclear energy the backbone for growth – providing a reliable and scalable source of power.
TAQA switches focus to electricity
09 Sept 09, The National
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) will turn its focus back to electricity generation after snapping up oil and gas wells across the world, the company’s chief executive said today.
Saudi Electricity to award $2bn deals
09 Sept 09, Trade Arabia
Saudi Electricity has given approval to award 7.64 billion riyals ($2.03 billion) worth of contracts out of 80 billion riyals it plans to spend by 2012 to boost capacity, the company said on Wednesday. It did not give details of the projects it would award in a statement on the Saudi bourse website but said its generation capacity would increase by around 13,000 megawatt.
Abu Dhabi Government spend up 21%
09 Sept 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Abu Dhabi’s economy remains strong despite the global financial crisis, said a new report by the Oxford Business Group (OBG). Government spending has risen by 21 percent to Dh42.2 billion this year, which, the study says, us evidence that the emirate’s financial situation is robust, especially in the light of the fall in oil prices
UAE Among World's Top Active Economic Reformers
09 Sept 09, Khaleej Times
The UAE is a lot easier place to do business than it was last year, and it stands out now as one of the world’s 10 most active economic reformers, the World Bank said yesterday. A separate study from the World Economic Forum presented a similarly positive message, finding the UAE to be the second most competitive country in the Middle East and North Africa.
No easy answer to power cuts
06 Sept 09, The National
Sharjah’s power woes have made us all acutely aware of the knock-on effects of rapid growth. And while the brunt of anger caused by four weeks of intermittent outages has been directed at the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, the problem is not particular to Sharjah. If it were, the emirate’s deficiencies could be compensated for by either the Government or a neighbouring emirate. Ensuring that there is sufficient energy supply to meet demand is a national imperative, and one that will continue to present challenges in the near future.
Kuwait: Zour Power Plant Project
03 Sept 09, Khaleej Times
The cabinet reportedly approved the project to establish a new power plant in the Zour area during its latest meeting
RAK now affected by power cuts
02 Sept 09, Gulf News
The power cuts in Sharjah industrial areas have been continuing since last Friday, keeping residents on their toes. In Ras Al Khaimah, the residents of several areas in northern parts of Ras Al Khaimah have been suffering power and water cuts which last for many hours and which are badly affected their lives, especially during Ramadan.
UAE's non-oil trade hits Dh310b in first half
02 Sept 09, Gulf News
The UAE's non-oil trade reached Dh310 billion in the first half of 2009, of which imports accounted for Dh213 billion, the Federal Customs Authority (FCA) said in its first semi-annual announcement Wednesday.
Mohammed sets up oil and energy bodies to manage supplies
01 Sept 09, Emirates Business 24/7
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No 18 of 2009 setting up the Department of Oil Affairs and Law No 19 of 2009, establishing the Supreme Council for Energy.
Sharjah areas yet to see light
31 Aug 09, Gulf News
The power crisis that hit many Sharjah districts two weeks ago was by Monday confined to just two industrial areas. Residents in industrial areas 17 and 13 experienced another day without electricity and had to continue fasting in the heat
UAE economy chief predicts growth in Q4
31 Aug 09, Arabian Business
The UAE’s Minister of Economy has said he expects the national economy to be “back on track” by the final quarter of 2009. Sultan Al Mansouri added that the government’s efforts to develop the national economic infrastructure were yielding tremendous results.
Sharjah tenants tired of power cuts
30 Aug 09, Gulf News
Many Sharjah residents said they are not only left in the dark due to regular power cuts but the electricity board's customer service turns extremely offensive when people call in to complain. With the temperature hovering around 40C and high humidity making it very uncomfortable, residents said they are suffering every day as the lights go out intermittently.
Oman revives power privatisation drive
29 Aug 09, The National
Oman is renewing efforts to privatise its electricity sector, after the world financial crisis and lower oil prices delayed the programme and pushed the country’s budget into deficit
Sharjah Hit by Power Cuts Again
28 Aug 09, Khaleej Times
Sharjah residents were just about getting used to uninterrupted power supply after a five-day dilemma last week when power cuts hit many areas of the city again on Wednesday and Thursday
Yas Island works on track for Abu Dhabi F1 race
27 Aug 09, Arabian Business
Infrastructure for Yas Island phase one is in the final stages and on schedule to be completed for Abu Dhabi’s F1 race day, Aldar Properties has announced. Utilities at the development are also complete, including a 132KV substation, a portable water tank, and a gasline, which connects to three pressure-reducing stations on the Island.
Oman to invest RO3bn in power
27 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Oman will privatise existing power stations and invest RO3 billion (Dh28bn) in new projects in a bid to boost the economy and narrow the budget deficit as electricity demand grows. Urbanisation and years of growth have put Oman's existing grid under strain and prompted moves by authorities to recruit private sector investment alongside its own.
Foreign ministers include nuclear issues in next week's meeting
27 Aug 09, Gulf News
GCC foreign ministers will review the steps taken to carry out studies with regard to collective usage of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Egypt: Six consultancies to bid for nuclear contract
26 Aug 09, AME Info
Six international companies have been chosen to bid for a contract to provide service-related and technicalrelated consultancy for the nuclear safety department in Egypt
Bahrain plans to import electricity
26 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Bahrain is looking to import electricity from neighbouring countries by drawing on a regional power grid, said the Gulf country’s top official in remarks published.
Northern Emirates facing power crisis - study
26 Aug 09, Arabian Business
A shortage of electricity supply in the northern emirates is posing a serious economic threat, a new government report claims.
Syria sweats over electricity shortage
26 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Syrians are getting hot under the collar about a major shortfall in electricity supplies which is forecast to get worse rather than better over the next few years. The government aims to double electricity production capacity by 2015 but at the moment the country has around 1,000 less capacity than it needs – and this deficit is projected to expand to 1,800 MW by 2012.
UAE's nuke commitment hailed
25 Aug 09, Gulf News
US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke hailed the UAE’s commitment andpreparation on the pending approval of the US-UAE Civil Nuclear Agreement. “The Department of Commerce wholeheartedly supports this agreement, and I believe it has tremendous potential to benefit US firms and to create jobs,” he said in a speech before the US-UAE Business Council.
Victim of its own success, emirate seeks new options
25 Aug 09, The National
Sharjah has successfully marketed itself as a centre for industry, but the strategy has had an unintended consequence: an overloaded power grid. For four days last week, following a power failure, families sought refuge from stifling conditions at home, while grocers were forced to toss out spoiled foods and other business owners worried about the effect of power interruptions on machinery.
Iraq: 2 investment power stations in Thi-Qar
24 Aug 09, Aswat al-Iraq
The Iraqi Electricity Ministry has initially agreed to construct two investment power stations in Thi-Qar, the province’s governor said on Monday.
Oman to invest $7.8bn in water, power projects
22 Aug 09, Arabian Business
Oman is to invest around 3 billion riyals ($7.8 billion) in new water and power projects over the next six years, the head of the sultanate’s water and power authority said on Saturday.
Saudi Considers Building First Nuclear Power Plant
21 Aug 09, Khaleej Times
Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, is looking at building its first nuclear power plant, an official told an Arabic-language daily on Wednesday. Minister of Water and Electricity, Abdullah bin Abdul-Rahman Al Husayen, told the Al Watan newspaper: “The Kingdom is working on building a pilot plant fuelled by nuclear energy,” to generate electricity.
Power tomorrow is no solution to today's shortage
20 Aug 09, The National
Safeer Mall finally opened in Ras Al Khaimah last December, a year and a half after construction was completed. The delay was due to a lack of electricity, something that many UAE residents are becoming increasingly, and uncomfortably, aware of.
Al Dur project on track
20 Aug 09, Trade Arabia
Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister visited the BD756 million Al Dur water and power project which is on track for the first phase to be completed next year.
Power cuts give a harrowing time to Sharjah free zones
20 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Areas across Sharjah – including the airport free zone and several industrial estates – have been hit by a series of power cuts over the past few days, disrupting work and cutting off air-conditioning at the height of the summer.
GCC powers up for the future
19 Aug 09, Gulf News
With the economies of the Gulf Co-operation Council requiring an estimated 9.5 percent increase annually in power needs, the Economist Intelligence Unit is predicting its members will need to invest $50 billion (Dh183.9 billion) in the grid over the next six years.
Iraq to get loan to improve electricity
19 Aug 09, Aswat al-Iraq
The $5.5 billion loan that Iraq will get from the International Monetary Fund before the end of this year will be mainly used to improve the electricity sector, a financial adviser said on Wednesday.
Gulf to invest $50b in power projects
18 Aug 09, Gulf News
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are likely to invest as much as $50 billion (Dh184 billion) in power projects between 2009 and 2015. The EIU says economies of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region are set to consistently outperform every other region in the world over the next five years.
Abu Dhabi power project said close to $1.1bn loan
17 Aug 09, Arabian Business
Sponsors of the Shuweihat 2 power generation and water desalination project in Abu Dhabi have lined up 12 banks to provide a $1.1 billion, 22-year bank loan to back the scheme, bankers close to the deal said. Shuweihat 2 is due to be completed in 2011 and will comprise a 1,500 megawatt natural gas-fired power station and a 454,610 cubic metres a day desalination plant.
Qatar: QEWC reports 18% jump in H1 profits
17 Aug 09, Menafn
A senior official at the Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) said that the company's first-half net profit exceeded its budgeted level, The Peninsula reported. He said the first half of 2009 witnessed an increase of 20 percent in sales resulting in an increase of 19 percent in earnings compared to the same period in the previous year.
Frequent power cuts in Makkah leave residents high and dry
16 Aug 09, Arab News
Frequent power cuts has forced residents of this holy city to look for other lighting alternatives to keep their homes lit, especially during Ramadan when power demands spike. Demand for battery powered emergency lighting has caused prices for these items in Makkah to increase by as much as 70 percent.
Blackouts cause losses of billions across Yemen
16 Aug 09, Yemen Observer
The electricity blackout hours have been increasing rapidly across Yemen as a result of the low capacity of power generating. The blackout reached to 12 hours daily causing tremendous damage and loss to everybody.
Jordan's nuclear programme
13 Aug 09, Jordan Times
Jordan has embarked on an ambitious nuclear programme for peaceful purposes. The US State Department responded the other day, indicating that it had no objection to Jordan’s plan. Chairman of Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) Khaled Toukan told the French news agency AFP on July 28, 2009, that the objective was to transform Jordan from an energy importing to an electricity exporting country by 2030.
Energy system
13 Aug 09, Arabian Business
Holger Rogner of the International Atomic Energy Agency speaks to UME about the place of nuclear power within the energy mix.
Kuwait: Sharp increase in power consumption
12 Aug 09, Kuwait Times
A Ministry of Electricity and Water official has warned that Kuwait may see higher-than-usual numbers of power cuts during Ramadan due to the expected increase in electricity consumption levels over this period.
Private investment touches Dh217bn
12 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE private sector has more than quadrupled its investment in the local market over the past four years to take advantage of an upsurge in real estate and other sectors during the oil boom, official figures showed yesterday.
Syria battles power crunch
10 Aug 09, Trade Arabia
Syria is facing a daily power shortage of up to 1,000 MW, which is seeing power cuts lasting a few hours every day, according to the official daily Ath Thawra.
Jordan signs two agreements with US for power, transport projects
09 Aug 09, KUNA
Jordan and the US signed two agreements for grants worth USD 788,000 on Sunday, aimed at supporting Jordan’s energy and transportation sectors. Both parties are in the final stages of negotiations over financing the feasibility study to establish an electricity plant at a total cost of USD 700,000
Adwea lends weight to new energy saving drive
09 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Abu Dhabi has launched an initiative aimed at reducing the wastage of energy in the emirate, which currently stands at 20 per cent of the total energy production.
GCC grid will help reduce power cuts
08 Aug 09, The Peninsula
The GCC power grid which connects Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait in the first phase will reduce power cuts in member-counties, especially in the summer months when supply disruptions mostly occur.
Private sector dominates UAE projects
08 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The private sector has remained the dominant player in infrastructure and other projects in the UAE, unlike in other oil-producing GCC countries where the government has a bigger share, according to a study by a Kuwaiti bank.
Sustainable energy set for growth in the region
06 Aug 09, Gulf News
As the GCC countries are willing to buy international nuclear technology off the rack, and a new generation of reactors that will be built globally is under way, nuclear could turn out to be an affordable option.
UAE sees $66bn in FDI in 10 years
06 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE has attracted in excess of $66 billion (Dh242.2bn) in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the past 10 years to emerge as the second-largest investment destination in the Arab world after Saudi Arabia.
SWEC power plant starts operation
05 Aug 09, Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia’s private owned Shuaiba Water and Electricity Company (SWEC) has started operating its Shuaiba-3 plant at full capacity, a report said. The plant has capacity to generate 900 megawatts of electricity, and 800,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day
Qatar aims to cut summer power blackouts
05 Aug 09, Arabian Business
Hundreds of old transformers will soon be replaced as part of a campaign to reduce the number of summer power blackouts in Qatar.
Dh8b Makeover for Al Gharbia
04 Aug 09, Khaleej Times
Al GHARBIA (Western Region) – The renovation of more than 3,000 traditional houses, three new abattoirs and a new power station are among the Dh8 billion development projects planned for Al Gharbia, according to the head of Al Gharbia Municipality.
Power shortages hit RAK Steel's output
03 Aug 09, Arabian Business
Power shortages in the UAE has forced RAK Steel to reduce its output by 15 percent, the group's chief executive said on Monday. The UAE's northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah's industrial sector is suffering from chronic power shortages as development outpaces supply, resulting in frequent outages.
Abu Dhabi foreign direct investment volume reaches Dh31.465bn
03 Aug 09, Gulf News
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Abu Dhabi reached Dh31.465 billion for 2007, according to results released by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi on Monday.
UAE non-oil sector up 3.9% at Dh294billion last year
02 Aug 09, Emirates Business 24/7
A sharp rise in public and private investment boosted the UAE’s real non-oil sector by around 3.9 percent in 2008
Google adds electricity management to its expanding portfolio
01 Aug 09, The National
For decades, utilities have struggled to satisfy booming electricity demand with an increasingly outdated approach. But amid new concerns about energy efficiency and looming power shortages, a consensus is emerging that the electricity grid of tomorrow will look more like today’s internet: dynamic, flexible and open.
UAE to adhere to nuclear safety
31 July 09, Gulf News
The Permanent mission of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency has communicated on Friday that the UAE Government's decision to join a number of additional international conventions related to Nuclear Safety and Security.
GCC power grid success
28 July 09, Trade Arabia
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait have been successfully linked to the GCC power grid. The operation marked the conclusion of phase I and II of the project, following the start of the operation between Qatar and Kuwait on July 20 and the sea cable link between Bahrain and the main grid in Saudi Arabia.
UAE GDP soars 23% to Dh934billion in 2008
28 July 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE economy raced by more than 23 per cent in nominal terms to more than Dh934 billion in 2008 and the surge was in both the oil and non-oil sectors, official estimates showed yesterday.
First phase of GCC power grid complete
27 July 09, Arab News
The first phase of a joint power grid for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries was completed on Sunday with the linking of the grids of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates and Oman will link to the grid in 2011
Bahrain seeks $1.3bn infrastructure loan
27 July 09, Trade Arabia
Bahrain’s Cabinet has approved moves to obtain a BD500 million ($1.326 billion) loan to finance power and water grid projects in the Kingdom.
UAE economy grew by 7.4% in 2008
26 July 09, Gulf News
The UAE Central Bank said the country’s economy grew 7.4% in 2008, due to high oil prices and measures taken by the bank to support liquidity in the banking sector from September last year.
Kuwait: Ministry of Water and Electricity predicts outage crisis to end in 2014
26 July 09, Kuwait Times
The Ministry of Water and Electricity intends to adopt a segment-based system to solve the country’s power crisis. This has been adopted by most countries around the world and helps reduce power consumption
$930bn worth of projects underway in the UAE - paper
24 July 09, Arabian Business
A total value of nearly $930bn-worth of projects in the construction and other sectors are underway in the UAE, according to a report.
Gulf electricity trading goes live
22 July 09, The National
The GCC will complete the final link in a four-nation power grid on Monday that will allow Gulf countries to trade electricity for the first time. With the connections between Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, built at an estimated cost of US$1.4 billion (Dh5.1bn), national utilities will be able to take advantage of variations in consumption patterns and buy from neighbours when supplies run short.
GCC North Grid marks a milestone
22 July 09, The Peninsula
The GCC North Grid, a part of the most important joint project between GCC states, will be fully synchronized today. With the success of the synchronization, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait will be linked as part of the much awaited GCC Interconnection Grid.
Mena GDP to out perform the world for five years
22 July 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Economies of the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region are set to consistently outperform every other region in the world for the next five years, said a new study.
Kuwait, Qatar Connect Power Grids
21 July 09, Khaleej Times
Kuwait and Qatar have synchronised their power networks as they move towards the launch of a four-nation Gulf grid, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
Abu Dhabi's GDP hits Dh688.3b on industrial sector performance
19 July 09, Gulf News
The Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi yesterday released the final results of six major surveys conducted in the emirate for the year 2007-08, covering a wide range of economic activities. According to the survey, Abu Dhabi's gross domestic product (GDP) was Dh688.3 billion last year, of which the industrial sector represents 65.5 per cent
Gulf power grid, big step toward overcoming electricity shortage
16 July 09, Gulf News
Gulf countries have taken a step towards easing a regional power crunch and supplying the flow of electricity needed by their increasingly affluent societies by linking up their grids.
Oman: Govt issues RfP's for Barka III, Sohar II power projects
16 July 09, Gulf in the Media
Plans for two major Independent Power Projects (IPPs) in north Oman have been firmed up with the government issuing a Request for Proposals (RfP) inviting interested developers to bid for both or either of the two projects. The IPPs, each of a capacity of 650 megawatts (MW), are proposed to be established at Barka and Sohar.
Construction on RAK energy facility to start in Sept
16 July 09, Arabian Business
Construction work will start in September on the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Material (RAK-CAM), an alternative energy and construction research facility in Ras Al Khaimah, according to a board member on the government-backed project.
Infrastructure sector in UAE to grow at 6.8%
16 July 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The real growth value for the UAE infrastructure industry has been revised upwards to 6.8 per cent for 2009 against its original 0.9 per cent, said a market forecast.
Bahraini delegation proposes $146b electricity projects in Iraq
15 July 09, Aswat al-Iraq
A Bahraini delegation on Wednesday met with Baghdad governor and offered to invest $146 billion U.S. dollars in electricity generating projects in Iraq.
Gulf-wide power grid to go live this month
15 July 09, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain will link their power grids together this month, it has been reported.
Saudi Arabia: Madina gets SR14b new water plant
15 July 09, Saudi Gazette
Even as King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, launched multi-billion-riyal development projects in Yanbu, Tuesday, word came of his approval for a SR14 billion water desalination and electrical power plant for the Madina region.
GCC to invest $50b in power projects through 2015
14 July 09, MENAFN
The Saudi Gazette reported that up to $50 billion could be spent in the GCC countries by 2015 for increased generation capacity of nearly 60,000 megawatts.
GCC N-power plant likely by 2015
14 July 09, The Peninsula
The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) common nuclear power plant is expected to become a reality by 2015. The GCC will announce the name of the host country early next year, said a top official who is actively involved in the coordination of the proposed nuclear power plant.
Saudi power producer to carry out Riyadh project
13 July 09, Gulf News
Saudi Electricity Co, the state-controlled power producer, signed a 2.6 billion riyal (Dh2.5 billion) loan agreement with the Public Investment Fund to help finance expansion in the Arab world's largest economy. The 15-year loan will be used to fund a power project in Riyadh
Dh5.98b power projects planned
12 July 09, UAE Interact
The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) will carry out Dh5.9880 billion worth of energy and water projects in the Northern Emirates within five years, Mohammed Mohammed Saleh, FEWA General Manager, said. He noted that the authority would execute Dhs1.480 billion worth of water projects in addition to Dh4.5 billion worth of electricity projects. This will include schemes for transmitting and distributing energy
Saudi Electricity seeks bidders for Riyadh project
11 July 09, Arabian Business
State-run Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has invited bidders for a 2,000 megawatt power plant project in Riyadh as part of efforts to meet soaring demand
Nuclear power could provide 60% of Kingdom's energy needs by 2035
09 July 09, Jordan Times
Nuclear power has the potential to generate 60 percent of the Kingdom’s energy by 2035, with plans in place to establish two additional nuclear reactors in the central region, according to a senior official.
US-UAE nuclear agreement is the best one
09 July 09, Gulf News
The US-UAE nuclear cooperation agreement is ‘the best one’ Washington has ever negotiated with a partner, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said on Wednesday at the first congressional hearing on the deal.
Bahrain to plug into GCC grid in 10 days
08 July 09, Trade Arabia
Bahrain will plug into the $1.1 billion (BD400 million) GCC electricity network in the next 10 days, said a top Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) official. It will not only make power cuts a thing of the past, but will also lead to a drop in costs, said EWA chief executive officer Dr Abdul Majeed Al Awadhi.
Regional power grids to be linked this month
08 July 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The power grids of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain will be linked later this month and the UAE hooked up in 2011, the body overseeing the interconnection said in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.
GCC to sign power exchange agreement
07 July 09, KUNA
The Gulf Cooperation Council's Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) will sign Tuesday an inter-GCC power exchange agreement in Khobar city eastern Saudi, GCCIA Chairman Yousef Al-Janahi said Monday.
UAE tops MENA region for trade
07 July 09, Arabian Business
The UAE is the top country for international trade and investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF)
GCC states to sign power swap deal
04 July 09, Emirates Business 24/7
Officials from Gulf oil producers will meet in Saudi Arabia this week to sign an agreement on the exchange of power supplies in the event of shortage or disruption within a planned power grid.
RO54m tenders awarded
04 July 09, Oman Daily Observer
MUSCAT: The new projects include power plant, transmission line in Yitti, roads in Al Sharqiyah region; power plant, transmission line in Bausher and dual carriageway in Salalah.
Decree issued for UAE nuclear energy body
02 July 09, Gulf News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree establishing a nuclear energy committee for the emirate, to be headed by Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer.
GCC trade with Japan up 43%
02 July 09, Gulf News
Trade between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Japan grew by 43 percent in 2008, to $172 billion (Dh631 billion), according to latest figures from the Dubai office of the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro).
Qatar: 7km undersea cable project work begins
01 July 09, The Peninsula
The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has launched the implementation of the country’s first power submarine cable project. The first of its kind in the country, the submarine cable will cover a total of 7km to connect Ras Abu Aboud super station and West Bay super2 substation.
Oman awards tenders for contracts worth $140m
30 Jun 09, Arabian Business
Oman’s tender board has awarded $139.8m worth of tenders across the transport and energy sectors, it emerged in Tuesday. The largest single tender was for a power plant, with a transmission line connecting it to the Yitti region in the Muscat governorate, to be built at a cost of $29.4m
Gulf power grid to open on Sunday
23 Jun 09, Gulf News
The Gulf electricity grid will open experimentally on Sunday, heralding a new era in economic integration and co-operation in the power sector among the six GCC states, officials said.
UAE and South Korea sign nuclear pact
23 June 09, Arabian Business
The UAE and South Korea signed an agreement on Monday paving the way for closer co-operation in nuclear energy.
Kuwait set to hold nuclear talks with French firm
21 Jun 09, Arabian Business
Kuwait will hold nuclear power talks with France's Areva sometime over the next few days, the economy minister of the European country said on Sunday.
$133m deal as Saudi aims to meet rising power demands
21 June 09, Arabian Business
A $133m contract has been awarded for the construction of an electricity substation in Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom tries to meet the increasing power demands of its population.
Officials see Kingdom exporting electricity within 10 years
11 Jun 09, The Jordan Times
Energy experts and officials on Monday said that Jordan has made the first necessary steps to meet its energy needs in a decade, particularly after adopting several leading projects in the sector.
New Qatar power plant set to double electricity supply
11 Jun 09, Arabian Business
Plans in Qatar to create the region’s largest water and power plant in 2012, would help almost double the electricity generation in the Gulf state, it has been announced.
Abu Dhabi seeks power project bids
07 Jun 09, The National
Abu Dhabi will be inviting international companies to bid for its ninth independent water and power project (IWPP), the Taweelah C project, by year-end at the latest, a top official said today.
Egypt borrows $1.2bn for energy projects
06 Jun 09, MENAFN
The Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Energy said that Cairo has obtained loans worth $1.28 billion from Arab and world financial institutions to set up two power plants with a total capacity of 2000 megawatts.
Syria and Kuwait Fund discuss possibility of financing a number of vital projects in the country
04 Jun 09, Sana
Possible projects include expanding and rehabilitating the drinking water network in Damascus, establishing a power-generating station in Deir Ezzor and a factory for producing phosphate fertilizers.
Abu Dhabi council nod for infrastructure projects
04 Jun 09, Gulf News
The Abu Dhabi Executive Council (ADEC) held on Thursday a meeting chaired by General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The council approved a memo from the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones (ZonesCorp). The memo deals with a tender for the construction of roads and other infrastructure at the Labour Residential City (Hamin H1)
Oman and Russia seal deal on nuclear energy
04 Jun 09, Gulf News
Oman and Russia have signed an agreement on nuclear energy cooperation that could see the two countries building reactors and conducting research together, according to a report by Oman News Agency on Tuesday.
Saudis woo investors with 300b riyals in new ventures
02 Jun 09, Gulf News
Investment in the Saudi power and energy sector as well as economic cities could reach 300 billion riyals (Dh293 billion), officials of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) said at a symposium of the Chamber of Commerce in Damman.
$2.6m power transformer plant opened in Basra
02 Jun 09, Aswat al-Iraq
The Basra governor, Sheltag Aboud al-Mayah, on Monday opened the al-Mawfiqiya power transformer plant in central Basra at a cost of $2.6 million provided by the donors countries.
The nuclear option
02 Jun 09, Arabian Business
The UAE isn't the only Gulf country looking at nuclear energy; rapidly growing populations and increasing electricity demands are forcing many GCC states to explore the advantages of nuclear energy.
Major Power Distribution Plant Opens in Sharjah
02 Jun 09, Khaleej Times
A major power distribution plant that is capable of supplying power in Sharjah until 2025 became fully operational in the Al Taya area on Monday.
Abu Dhabi Foreign Trade Surged by 37.5% in 2008
02 Jun 09, Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi’s foreign trade grew by 37.5 per cent in 2008 on the back of significant rise in the value of imported commodity goods, an official report said.
Opportunity knocks for capital connections
01 Jun 09, The National
Abu Dhabi has made great strides towards growth. This is evident in the physical and economic blueprints already put forward: the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, Plan Al Ain 2030 and the Surface Transport Master Plan.
SEWA to operate new 50MW gas turbine next August
01 Jun 09, UAE Interact
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) is completing preparations to inaugurate a new gas-fired turbine to generate electricity at Khor Fakkan in the eastern region of emirate of Sharjah next August
Reem Island to get power supply
31 May 09, Trade Arabia
Four 500MVA and sixteen 80 MVA transformers have been delivered to Reem Island by Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (Transco) in co-ordination with Bunya, for supply of electricity to the island.
UAE remains top investment destination in the region
31 May 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The investment environment of the UAE is healthy and remains the most attractive in the region and the Arab World, said the Minister of Economy yesterday.
Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria to link their power networks
29 May 09, IRNA
Iran, Iraq, and Turkey here on Thursday signed an agreement for power and energy cooperation and linking their power networks with that of Syria.
Jordan Regulatory Commission gears up for nuclear programme
28 May 09, Menafn
With the Kingdom on the threshold of joining the club of nations that produce nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, the Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC) is intensifying its control at 12 border radiation monitoring stations and preparing the proper infrastructure for the nuclear sector.
The Ministers of Energy of Turkey, Syria and Iran will discuss the project of Linking Electricity in Baghdad next Wednesday
28 May 09, The Iraq Directory
The Ministers of Energy of Turkey, Syria and Iran will discuss with the Iraqi Minister of Electricity Karim Wahid next Wednesday in Baghdad, ways to enhance cooperation in the field of generation and transmission of electric power and the possibility of a power link.
Electricity Production increases in Kurdistan
27 May 09, Aswat al-Iraq
The Iraqi Minister of electricity in Iraq’s Kurdistan on Wednesday reported a significant increase in the production of electricity in the region. “Power generating stations and the national grid will provide us with 650 megawatts of electricity in June and 800 megawatts in July and August,” Minister Hoshyar Suweili said in a press conference.
Armenia to Export Electricity
27 May 09, Iran Daily
Armenia plans to start power export to Iran in the near future, Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan said. Iran and Armenia have so far inked agreements in the fields of banking, power plant construction, energy and trade.
Bahrain eyes $20bn investment in oil and gas
27 May 09, Arabian Business
Bahrain is planning to spend more than $20 billion in the next 20 years on developing its oil and gas sectors, according to a top official.
Russia presents Jordan with offers for nuclear plant
24 May 09, Menafn
The Russian Nuclear Energy State Corporation (Rosatom) has presented the Kingdom with an offer to study the establishment of a nuclear plant and another to build a nuclear research
UAE to have first Arab nuclear power plant in 2015
24 May 09, Emirates Business 24/7
The UAE, which has got an approval from the United States to proceed with its nuclear plans, is expected to have its first nuclear reactor completed by as early as 2015, making it the first operator of a nuclear plant in the region, experts told Emirates Business.
UAE-US sign Bilateral Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Energy Cooperation
22 May 09, Gulf News
The UAE and US on Thursday signed the Bilateral Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Energy Cooperation and submitted it to the US Congress for review. The agreement was signed by Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US and US State Department officials.
UAE welcomes Obama's approval of US-UAE nuclear agreement
21 May 09, Gulf News
US President Barack Obama on Wednesday approved the Agreement for Cooperation between the government of the United States of America and the government of the United Arab Emirates concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
UAE plans to deliver nuclear power by 2015-2017
21 May 09, Arabian Business
The UAE has set a target date of 2015 to 2017 for the generation of nuclear power in the country, according to an official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) It plans to complete its first nuclear plant by that time, said Ali Boussaha, director, division of Africa, for the IAEA.
Obama approves nuclear energy deal with UAE
21 May 09, The National
The US president Barack Obama approved yesterday a nuclear energy deal with the United Arab Emirates that will cater for the country’s growing demand for electricity.
UAE-UK trade up 17% at Dh6.92b
20 May 09, UAE Interact
Total trade between the UAE and Britain grew by 17 per cent to £1.23 billion (Dh6.92 billion) during the first quarter of this year compared with £1.05 billion (Dh5.9 billion) during the corresponding period last year.
Turkey-UAE annual bilateral trade touches $9 Billion
19 May 09, Gulf News
The annual bilateral trade between Turkey and the UAE is valued at $9 billion (Dh33 billion), which includes trade through the free zones, Hakki Akil, Ambassador of Turkey to the UAE, said here on Monday.
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