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Oman: Sur transmission line work to start soon
30 Aug 10, Times of Oman
Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has started initial work for setting up a transmission line linked to the development of the first phase of a large independent power project (IPP) in Sur.
Egypt To Add 1425MW Of Electricity To Grid In Sep Report
30 Aug 10, Aswat al-Iraq
Egypt plans to add about 1,425 megawatts of electricity to its national grid next month from a number of new power generation units, pan-Arab Asharq Al Aswat daily reports Monday citing Hassan Younis, the country's minister of electricity and energy. The additional quantities will include 140 MW from solar energy stations and 60 MW from wind farms, Younis said according to the paper.
Oman: Tender for Sur power project by year end
29 Aug 10, Times of Oman
Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) is expected to float an initial tender linked to the development of the planned 1,500MW independent power project in Sur before the end of this year.
Egypt power cuts deepen suffering in fasting month
29 Aug 10, Jordan Times
Since Muslims began their daily dawn-to-dusk fast for the holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, Egypt has been hit by its worst power outages in decades.
Saudi Elec Adds 2,615MW To Generation Capacity in 1H Report
28 Aug 10, Dow Jones
The mainly state-owned utility Saudi Electricity Co. or SEC, said it has been able to add 2,615 megawatts of electric power to its power generation capacity in the first half of 2010 bringing its effective capacity to 40,496 MW, Saudibased Al Riyadh daily says Saturday citing a SEC's report.
Kingdom, Japan nearing nuclear deal
27 Aug 10, Jordan Times
Jordan and Japan are set to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement (NCA) “very soon”, a senior government official said. According to Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan, the two sides are in close negotiations and expect to sign an NCA “within weeks”.
Egypt confirms site of first $4bn nuclear plant
26 Aug 10, Arabian Business
El-Debaa, on Egypt’s Mediterranean Sea coast, will play host to the country’s first nuclear power plant, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2019. The country’s electricity minister, Hassan Younis, had earlier estimated that a 1,000MW plant would cost $4bn.
Jordan: Irani highlights Samra, Qatraneh plants
26 Aug 10, Jordan Times
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Khalid Irani on Wednesday said the Samra and Qatraneh power plants, which will become operational next year, will provide the Kingdom with around 700 megawatts.
Bahrain: Power consumption hits all-time high
26 Aug 10, Bahrain Tribune
Consumption peaked at 3pm topping the previous highest consumption rate of 2,677 megawatts which was recorded on July 13, 2009.
Egypt announces site of planned nuclear plant
25 Aug 10, AFP
Egypt announced on Wednesday it would build its planned nuclear powerplant on the Mediterranean coast of el-Dabaa, the state news agency MENA reported.
UAE nuclear energy programme very safe
24 Aug 10, Gulf News
The UAE's civilian nuclear energy programme upholds the highest standards of safety, security, non-proliferation and operational transparency, the nation's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) said on Tuesday.
Yemen warned to spend $5bn on power sector
24 Aug 10, Arabian Business
Yemen will need to spend another $5bn on the development of its electricity sector over the next eight years, a consultancy has warned the country.
Jeddah residents endure 10 hour blackouts
24 Aug 10, Arabian Business
Residents in northern Jeddah have called on the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to find a solution to the electricity power cuts in the kingdom after residents in northern Jeddah were left without power for ten hours on Sunday and Monday, it was reported.
After long wait, Egypt sets nuclear deadline
24 Aug 10, The National
Fifty-five years after Egypt first announced its plan to build a nuclear power plant, energy authorities said this month they expect to launch an international tender for the project by the end of this year.
UAE and US sign deal on nuclear power
23 Aug 10, Gulf News
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of the United States have signed an agreement for the exchange of technical information and cooperation in "nuclear safety, security and safeguarding matters" at the NRC's headquarters in Washington, DC.
Kuwait committee quietly formulating nuclear plans
23 Aug 10, The National
While the UAE has charged ahead with its nuclear energy programme and Egypt and Jordan are not far behind, another Arab country is quietly putting in place the framework to make it the region’s fourth nuclear-powered state.
Jordan: New grid projects to reduce power cuts
23 Aug 10, Jordan Times
Projects will soon be implemented to increase the capacity of the Kingdom's electricity grid and address the issue of power shortages, officials said on Sunday.
Saudi Electricity approves $3.92bn worth projects
23 Aug 10, Arabian Business
State-controlled Saudi Electricity Co (SEC) on Monday said it approved the award of 14.7 billion riyals worth ($3.92 billion) of power projects to meet rising demand.
Saudi national grid now covers 95% of kingdom
22 Aug 10, Arabian Business
The Saudi Electric Company has completed linking transmission lines in most of the Kingdom, Minister of Water and Electricity Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al-Hussayen said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.
Work begins on our nuclear future
21 Aug 10, Gulf News
Located hundreds of kilometres from the capital and other major population centres, Braka will soon become the centre of the UAE’s nuclear power programme, an ambitious, wide-ranging effort that has been held up as the “gold standard” for the development of peaceful nuclear power.
UAE nominal economy to rise 8% in 2010
21 Aug 10, Emirates Business 24/7
Higher oil prices will boost the UAE economy by around eight per cent in current prices this year after it plunged by more than 11 per cent in 2009 because of a sharp fall in crude prices, according to a Saudi investment firm.
Oman: Barka, Sohar to get major power push
17 Aug 10, Menafn
Several agreements for developing two green field independent power projects in Batinah region have been signed by Kahrabel GDF Suez-led consortium with various government agencies, paving the way for fast development.
GCC-wide nuclear study completed
15 Aug 10, Arabian Business
The results of a study into Gulf countries’ ability to manage any potential radiation disaster will be presented to GCC ministers in the coming weeks, it was reported on Sunday.
$294m tourism project planned for Yanbu seafront
15 Aug 10, Arabian Business
The basic infrastructure designs for five projects to develop the Yanbu seafront in Saudi Arabia have been completed, according to KSA’s Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. The projects, worth more than SR1.1bn (US$294m), are set to be developed along the 11km seafront as part of the country’s wider strategy to expand its tourism market and diversify its economy. Construction works for the projects, which is aimed to drive more visitors, will include installation of a sewage system, water tanks, an electricity network and the lighting of roads in 13 separate areas.
Saudi power generation to jump 64.9% till 2019
12 Aug 10, Saudi Gazette
Electricity generation in Saudi Arabia is forecast to increase 64.9 percent between 2010 and 2019, which is near the middle of the range for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Kuwait: Al Sabbiyah power station to operate next year - official
09 Aug 10, KUNA
Minister of Electricity and Water Bader Al-Shuraiaan affirmed on Monday that the new Al- Sabbiyah power station would be operational next year, after installment of all gas turbines.
Egypt to issue nuclear power tender this year
08 Aug 10, AME Info
Egypt's electricity and energy minister, Hassan Younes has said the country plans to start an international bidding process this year for its first nuclear energy plant. "Egypt's nuclear project is progressing steadily and we expect to start the tender before the end of this year," Younes was quoted as saying by state-owned al-Ahram newspaper.
Oman Power sector set for major leap
07 Aug 10, Times of Oman
The Sultanate’s power sector has achieved tremendous growth on various fronts, including power generation, distribution network and number of consumers, said a top-level official of the state-owned Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC).
First phase of Ras Laffan power plant complete
02 Aug 2010, AME Info
Qatar's Ras Girtas Power Co (RGPC) has announced the completion of the first phase of the Ras Laffan C power and water project, Gulf Times has reported.
Saudi Electricity Inks SAR223M Deal To Boost Riyadh Grid - Report
31 Jul 10, Dow Jones
Saudi Electricity Co. has signed a 223 million Saudi riyals ($59.46 million) deal with a local contractor to boost the capacity of its network in Riyadh to cope with extra loads there, Jeddah-based Okaz daily reports Saturday citing an executive.
Qatar boosts power capacity with start of Ras Girtas
30 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Qatar, holder of the world’s third- largest natural gas reserves, increased its power-generating capacity by 1,833 megawatts with the completion of the first phase of Ras Laffan C, the country’s biggest power project.
Saudi needs $80bn power spend by 2018 - study
29 Jul 10, Arabian Business
About $80bn worth of investment is needed in Saudi Arabia by 2018 to meet rising power demands in the kingdom, a new report has said.
Iran's electricity consumption up 9.5% early summer
27 Jul 10, IRNA
Deputy energy minister said here on Monday that Iran's electricity consumption increased by 9.5 percent late July due to the worst heat wave sweeping the country in the first month of the summer season.
Jordan, S Korea sign $70m nuclear research reactor loan
26 Jul 10, AME Info
Jordan and South Korean are to sign a $70m loan agreement to finance a proposed research nuclear reactor at the Jordan University for Science and Technology, Petra news agency has reported. The proposed reactor is part of the country's efforts to establish a nuclear program to desalinate water, generate electricity and turn the kingdom into an energy exporter by 2030.
UAE's non-oil trade surges to Dh59.6b
26 Jul 10, Gulf News
The primary statistical data of the Federal Customs Authority confirmed the growth of the UAE's non-oil trade volume by a rate of 14 per cent by the end of May 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, as the total trade rose from Dh52.08 billion to Dh59.6 billion.
Saudi Needs To Invest $140B On Elec Projects In 10 Yrs - Govt
25 Jul 10, Dow Jones
Saudi Arabia, the Arab World’s largest economy, needs to spend 526 billion Saudi riyals ($140.3 billion_) on electricity projects over the next decade to meet the fast growing demand in the kingdom, the Electricity and Co- Generation Regulatory Authority, or ECRA, said Sunday.
Qatar Electricity second quarter profit advances 16%
24 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Qatar Electricity & Water Co, the second-largest utility in the Middle East by market capitalisation, announced a second-quarter profit of QR314.7m ($86.5m), beating analyst estimates.
Egypt, Saudi power grid link to cost $1.5bn
22 Jul 10, AME Info
Egypt's electricity ministry has said that linking the country's power grid with Saudi Arabia to help meet peak-time demand is expected to cost about $1.5bn, Reuters has reported. The two countries will split the cost of the project, which aims to exchange 3,000 megawatts of electricity between the countries through direct current electrical lines
Bahrain: 16 new substations to be built
22 Jul 10, Bahrain Tribune
The Kingdom yesterday signed three contracts worth almost BD14.6 million for the building of 16 substations and the enhancing of the water network.
GCCIA implements 1st component of GCC Grid Phase III
21 Jul 10, Saudi Press Agency
The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority has commenced the implementation of the first components of Phase III of GCC Grid.
Egypt, Saudi power link cost seen at $1.5bn
21 Jul 10, Trade Arabia
A project aimed at linking the power grids of electricity-hungry countries Egypt and Saudi Arabia to help meet peak-time demand is expected to cost about $1.5 billion, an Egyptian official said on Wednesday.
Siemens wins main electrical contract for NGL plant
21 Jul 10, AME Info
A joint venture between Petrofac and GS E&C has awarded Siemens Energy a $40m contract to engineer and supply an integrated power solution for a natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation plant. As main electrical contractor (MEC) for the NGL fractionation plant, Siemens will provide power-and distribution transformers, high, medium and low voltage switchgears, and motor control centres.
Qatar seen leading GCC infrastructure push to 2014
21 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Qatar is on course to lead the region in terms of infrastructure projects in the short term despite a near-22 percent slump in its construction sector last year, a news report has said. BMI added that large infrastructure projects include the $9bn New Doha International Airport, the $7bn New Doha Port Projects, the $13bn Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, the $17bn development of a national rail network and a handful of power and water plants, including the largest power and water plant in the region.
First private CHP plant of Iran inaugurated
21 Jul 10, Tehran Times
Iran's first privately owned combined heat and power plant (CHP) officially came on stream in Tehran on Tuesday. The plant's production capacity is 7.8MW and its efficiency is 73 percent, the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network reported.
Gulf energy demand to soar 85% by 2030
20 Jul 10, Trade Arabia
Energy demand in the Gulf has more than doubled in the past 10 years and is forecast to increase by 85 per cent by 2030 compared with 2008 levels
Iraq: Investment project to supply Faw with electricity
20 Jul 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The Basra Provincial Council has approved an investment project that will supply the al-Faw district with electricity.
Siemens Energy secures Saudi deals worth $130m
20 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Siemens Energy has secured an order worth nearly $130m to supply gas turbine packages to Saudi Arabia. The components are to be installed in the Hail Extension II and Al Qurayat Expansion II power plants, the company said in a statement.
Sharjah fumes as power fails again
20 Jul 10, Gulf News
After a month's respite Sharjah's notorious power cuts are back again affecting the huge industrial districts which are home to thousands of families and businesses
Saudi Electricity Q2 net soars on lower costs
19 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Electricity Co posted a better than expected 50 percent rise in second quarter net profit on lower costs and higher revenues and further gains are expected after a rise in power tariffs for some users.
Oman Power, water company to initiate energy plant at Sur
19 Jul 10, Gulf News
Following a reassessment of a proposed independent power and water project at the Al Ghubrah site, the Oman Power and Water Company (OPWP) is preparing to initiate a competition for a major, 1,500 megawatt independent power project on the industrial estate at Sur.
Power fails again in Sharjah
18 Jul 10, Emirates Business 24/7
In a repeat of the May situation several areas went without power on Sunday. (SUPPLIED) Power failed in several parts of Sharjah Industrial Area on Sunday disrupting normal life and business. Several areas in the industrial area faced power failure from pam. More areas were subsequently affected.
ABB substation at Fujairah to strengthen UAE transmission network
18 Jul 10, AME Info
A new substation from ABB, the power and automation technology group, will serve the electricity needs of developments planned at Sudah port and the Al Hayl industrial areas of Fujairah, one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.
SEC Launches Independent Power Plants Project Program
17 Jul 10, Saudi Press Agency
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has launched Independent Power Plants (IPP) program starting with three power plants in Rabigh, Riyadh and Qurayyah, which require an overall investment of around SR 21 Billion.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia ink $2.5m power grid deal
17 Jul 10, AME Info
Egyptian Electricity Minister Hassan Younes has said that Egypt and Saudi Arabia have signed a $2.5m contract with an unidentified company for work on linking their power grids
Bahrain: Electricity consumption hits all-time high
15 Jul 10, Bahrain Tribune
Electricity consumption peaked this week reaching an all-time record of 2,650 megawatts on Monday. As temperatures soared across Bahrain reaching highs in excess of 40 degrees Celsius, power consumption levels also increased to record highs with the Electricity and WaterAuthority confirming that consumption peaked on mMonday but the Kingdom's power grid was able to withstand this challenge and no major power outages were experience.
Saudi invites bidders to build $1.5bn power plant
14 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabian utility Marafiq has invited international firms to bid to build a $1.5 billion, 850 megawatt (MW) steam power plant in the Red Sea port of Yanbu, industry sources said on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia: Shuqaiq increases power capacity
13 Jul 10, Arab News
To meet growing demand, Shuqaiq Water and Electricity Company (SqWEC) has added 680MWh of electricity to serve the provinces of Asir and Jazan, the company's chairman Madani A. Alagi announced on Sunday. "We were able to begin commercial operation of the project COD2 of the second electricity production unit with a capacity of 340 MWh, 36 days prior to the targeted deadline," Alagi said.
The heat is on for Kuwait
13 Jul 10, Arabian Business
For a country that holds around eight percent of global oil reserves, it may be difficult to believe that Kuwait faces domestic power concerns. Kuwaitis have been experiencing record temperatures in June, prompting power outages in a number of residential areas and bringing to light concerns over the country's pressing need for increased power generation capacity.
Gulf braces for power shortages
12 Jul 10, The National
The big heat has come early to the Gulf, and residents opting to stay are settling in for another summer of discontent punctuated by power cuts. All Gulf states except Qatar face electricity shortages that intensify during the airconditioning season. Already this year, the emirate of Sharjah as well as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have suffered disruptions.
Jordan: Regulations governing nuclear safety to be ready by year-end
12 Jul 10, Jordan Times
The Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNCR) on Sunday said it will finish drafting 26 regulations to govern nuclear safety in the Kingdom by the end of the year. JNRC Director Jamal Sharaf told The Jordan Times yesterday that the commission will present the regulations to the Cabinet by the end of the year, in order to have all regulatory frameworks related to securing and monitoring nuclear and radioactive materials in place.
JNRC seeking to expand staff
12 Jul 10, Jordan Times
The Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC) is looking to boost its staff by 60 employees this year in order to enhance nuclear security in the Kingdom ahead of major milestones in the country’s peaceful nuclear power programme.
ENEC welcomes regulator's licence approvals
11 Jul 10, Arabian Business
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation said on Sunday that it welcomed winning two licences from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) for work related to Braka, its preferred site for the UAE's first nuclear power plants.
Second Electricity Production Unit Adds 340MWh to KSA Grid 36 Days Ahead of Schedule
11 Jul 10, Press Release
Dr. Madani A. Alagi, Chairman of Shuqaiq Water and Electricity Company (SqWEC) announced on Sunday 11/07/2010 the completion the commercial operation date (COD2) of the second electricity production unit of with capacity of 340 MWh 36 days before the planned deadline.
UAE's nuclear sector regulator issues two licences to ENEC
09 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Licences have been issued for the preparation of a remote site near the UAE-Saudi Arabian border to ready it for construction of a nuclear power facility.
Lebanon unveils $5b plan to overhaul power sector
08 Jul 10, Khaleej Times
Lebanon unveiled on Wednesday an ambitious $5 billion plan to overhaul its decaying power sector and provide it with 24-hour electricity in four years.
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority to showcase efficiency and sustainability at Power Generation and Middle East Water show
06 Jul 10, AME Info
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) has agreed to support the Power Generation and Middle East Water show. The capital's utility provider is using the leading industry event as a platform to highlight their strategy for a efficient and sustainable power and water supply aligned with the Urban Planning Council's (UPC) 2030 vision.
Saudi readies French nuclear energy agreement
05 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and France are preparing to sign an agreement on cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, Saudi state media said on Monday. Both countries have been in talks for more than one year but have yet to disclose details about the cooperation.
Doosan wins UAE's N-power contract
03 Jul 10, Khaleej Times
The UAE’s nuclear power programme crossed another milestone with its principal contractor Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) awarding a $3.9 billion contract to Doosan Heavy Industries to supply main equipment for four nuclear power reactors planned in the country.
Saudi awards $16m Ras Azzour contract
03 Jul 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia awarded a 59.9 million riyal ($16 million) engineering contract to a consortium led by consultancy WS Atkins International on the Gulf coast in Ras Azzour, where a giant power plant will be built. The giant power and water project, estimated to cost $ billion, is expected to be the world’s largest when completed by the end of 2013.
$5bn power plant on way in Bahrain
01 Jul 10, Trade Arabia
A massive new power and water plant is now in the final stages of commissioning in Bahrain. Al Dur Power and Water Company chief executive Pierre Depauw said it would be up and running at some stage this summer and is being commissioned in co-ordination with the Electricity & Water Authority (EWA).
Higher GCC power tariffs needed to cool peak demand
01 Jul 10, Arabian Business
The Middle East’s electricity providers have been urged to introduce variable tariff schemes that charge consumers more for usage during peak hours in an effort to ease demand.
Oman: RO100m power transmission schemes
30 Jun 10, Oman Daily Observer
Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) is investing in excess of RO 100 million in the development of new power transmission infrastructure aimed at meeting the rapidly escalating energy needs of the country. New grid stations, high voltage transmission lines and other networks are being added to OETC's grid at key places within the Main Interconnected System (MIS), which serves much of the northern half of the Sultanate.
47% urge more investment in GCC power grid - poll
30 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Almost 50 percent of people think more investment is needed in a GCC-wide electricity supply grid to help reduce power blackouts, the latest Arabian Business poll has found. A total of 47 percent of respondents said a region-wide energy grid was a “must” and that more investment in the plan was necessary.
ABB wins power substations order in Qatar
29 Jun 10, AME Info
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order to supply two new substations to the Ezdan Real Estate Company, one of Qatar's biggest property developers.
Kuwait: Privatization plan knocks on power sector door
29 Jun 10, Kuwait Times
The privatization law approved earlier by the National Assembly is also applicable to the power and electricity sector that has recently implemented many future projects. This vital field has been undergoing a lot ofpressure to cater to the huge demand and limited supply, taking into consideration the limited number of power plants in the country.
UAE exploring options on handling N-waste
27 Jun 10, Khaleej Times
The UAE is not intending to domestically reprocess the spent fuel from the nuclear reactors to be set up in the country, Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, the permanent representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said here.
Kuwait govt discusses electricity, water consumption
27 Jun 10, Kuwait News Agency
The council of ministers discussed Sunday short-term measures taken by Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) to facing emergency increase in electricity consumption, as well as rationalizing of electricity and water consumption in industrial and commercial sectors, government buildings and private residences.
Bahrain investment in power to reduce blackouts
27 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Bahrain is investing more than BD340m ($901.7m) in the kingdom’s electricity network in a bid to reduce the number of power blackouts, it has been reported.
12% rise in Riyadh electricity demand - report
25 Jun 10, Arabian Business
The high temperatures in the west of Saudi Arabia recently put eight electricity generator unites temporarily out of action, according to a Saudi Gazette report. “The failure was caused by a hot sandstorm which hit the Jeddah region and the temperatures have greatly reduced the capabilities of generator plants,” Ali Al Barrak, the executive president of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) said.
Iraq: 3rd unit of al-Kahlaa power plant starts operating next month
25 Jun 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The third unit of al-Kahlaa power plant in Missan will start operating as of next month at a capacity of 45 megawatt, the director of the plant said on Thursday.
Kuwait signs MoU with US on nuclear safeguards
24 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the US on nuclear safeguards and other nonproliferation topics, the Qatar News Agency reported on Thursday.
Kuwait's power struggle
23 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Early summer has not been kind to Kuwait, or to its residents. Midday temperatures are already touching 55 degrees, and the record heat means that blackout season has started early in the emirate.
Additional ID300b for power network in Basra
23 Jun 10, Aswat al-Iraq
The Basra Provincial Council has allocated an additional ID300 billion to rehabilitate the power network in Basra. “This is a temporary and quick solution for the power problem in Basra,” the council’s head told Aswat al-Iraq news agency on Wednesday.
Power cuts hit Taif areas
23 Jun 10, Saudi Gazette
Power cuts that affected some villages and areas in the northeast of Taif on Monday afternoon, were caused by sandstorms and soaring temperatures which paralyzed some of the turbines at Al-Shu'aibah power generating station.
ID10 billion allocated to support electricity in Missan
22 Jun 10, Aswat al-Iraq
More than 10 billion dinars have been allocated to support the electricity system in Missan, governor said on Tuesday.
UN watchdog backs Egypt nuclear power plant plan
22 Jun 10, Gulf News
The UN nuclear watchdog is ready to cooperate with plans to build nuclear power plants in Egypt, which is now working on locations for construction, the head of the UN body said on Tuesday. Egypt said in March it planned to build four plants by 2025 and inaugurate the first in 2019 in an effort to reduce the most populous Arab country's reliance on oil and gas. Officials hope the programme would add capacity of up to 4,000 megawatts.
Summer heat causes blow outs in Saudi electric grid
22 Jun 10, Gulf News
Blistering summer temperatures coupled with a sandstorm caused power failures on Monday in the western region of Saudi Arabia, as the region suffered under a debilitating heat wave. The skyrocketing demand for electricity to power air conditioners forced eight power turbines to go off line causing several Saudi cities to lose their power, said the Saudi Electricity Company.
Kuwait's power worries to end next summer
20 Jun 10, Trade Arabia
Kuwait's vulnerability to power outages during scorching summer months should end next year when a new power station comes online, the minister of electricity and water said. “The Subbiya power plant will relieve Kuwait from the ghost of 99 percent, and next year we’ll get over the problem,” minister Badr Al-Shuraian told Kuwait’s parliament.
Kuwait pledges to tackle summer blackouts
20 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait said on Sunday that ending the country's power shortage and blackouts crisis was its number one priority. Addressing parliament's special session on the problem, Bader Al-Shreiaan, Minister of Electricity and Water, said the government would be tackling the issue from two angles. It would be putting in short-term measures to reduce power load during the summer, and would be looking to improve long-term power production, he said in comments published by KUNA News Agency.
Power cuts hit Saudis amid rising temperatures
18 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Power cuts were experienced in various regions across Saudi Arabia on Thursday as demand increased in response to the rise in temperatures, according to a report. “The power cuts have been mainly due to climatic conditions and the unusual rise in temperatures,” Abdul Salam Al- Yamani, vice chairman of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) told the Saudi Gazette.
Abu Dhabi awards $24.5m power, water deals
17 Jun 10, Arabian Business
UK firm Mott MacDonald has been awarded power and water contracts worth AED90m ($24.5m) by Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC). The deals will cover consultancy work for power in both the Central and Western regions and for water in the Eastern region, according to a company statement released on Thursday.
SR7.9 billion power plant near Riyadh
16 Jun 10, Arab News
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the state-controlled power provider, has signed a contract with a consortium for SR7.9 billion to build a gas-fired power plant. The SEC will be committed to buy the electricity for 20years from the plant as per the provisions of the contract, said Ali Saleh Al-Barrak, SEC chief executive officer, speaking after signing of the power purchase agreement, here Tuesday.
Kuwait urges power conservation as temperatures soar
16 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Kuwait’s power consumption is close to overloading its grid as summer temperatures soar, said a top official who urged citizens to conserve power on Tuesday. Power consumption has reached “very dangerous” levels, Rodhan al Rodhan, minister of state for cabinet affairs, wasreported as saying by state news agency KUNA.
Iran: South Pars 1000MW power plant inaugurated
16 Jun 10, Tehran Times
A large power plant with 1,000 megawatts output was officially inaugurated on Tuesday in Assalouyeh, southern Iran, aiming to supply electricity to the refineries of South Pars gas field phases 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18, the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network reported.
Hyundai signs $1.6 billion dollar Saudi power plant deal
16 Jun 10, AFP
South Korean construction firm Hyundai Heavy Industries said Wednesday it had signed a 1.6 billion dollar contract to build a power plant in Saudi Arabia. The company said in a statement it would complete the 1,729 megawatt gas-fired plant by 2013
SR457.6 Million Contract Signed for Expansion of Hail Electricity Station
15 Jun 10, Saudi Press Agency
Saudi Electricity Company signed here on Monday a contract worth SR 457.6 million with a national company to expand Hail electricity station with an additional capacity of 126 megawatts.
Jordan, Japan agree draft nuclear agreement
15 Jun 10, Jordan Times
Jordan and Japan on Tuesday agreed to the text and terms of a proposed nuclear cooperation agreement (NCA), paving the way for the Kingdom to import Japanese nuclear technology.
Nuclear development fires up
14 Jun 10, The National
Nuclear development is gaining momentum throughout the Middle East even as Iran’s programme captures the political spotlight. In the Arabian peninsula, a long-planned electricity network linking the six GCC nations is nearing completion, improving the economics of nuclear power.
UAE energy sector contracts triple to $8.8bn
14 Jun 10, Emirates Business
The value of total construction contracts awarded in the UAE in the energy sector almost tripled to $8.8 billion (Dh32.32bn) for the period of January to May this year from $3bn against the same period in 2009, according to Ventures Middle East, a project tracker and analysis provider
Nexans wins a 72.7 million euros high voltage cable contract in the Arabian Gulf
14 Jun 10, Press Release
Nexans, the worldwide leader in the cable industry, has been awarded a 72.7 million euros contract by the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO) for a turnkey project to upgrade the high voltage underground power cable infrastructure in Abu Dhabi City, UAE.
UAE economy to grow 4% in 2010, 2011 - top official
14 Jun 10, Arabian Business
The UAE economy will grow at a pace of around 4 percent in 2010 and 2011 on the back of big infrastructure projects, its central bank chief said on Monday.
Kuwait power consumption hits record as mercury soars
13 Jun 10, AFP
Electricity consumption in Kuwait hit an all-time record on Sunday as the temperature raced to a new high for the year in the oil-rich desert Gulf state. Power consumption peaked at 10,823 megawatts at noon, the highest on record, close to the maximum production capacity of around 11,200 megawatts, the electricity and water ministry showed on its website.
Kuwait govt discuss development projects
13 Jun 10, Kuwait News Agency
Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah briefed the cabinet late Sunday night about government projects within the country's mega development plan. Sheikh Ahmad, also minister of state for development and minister of state for housing, briefed the cabinet about housing projects, building new hospitals and enlarging existing ones, health clinics, the new airport, power stations, highways, causeways, the Boubyan sea port, the development of Failaka Island, the Silk City and Sabah Al-Saleh University City.
UAE trade surplus set to rise 15% in 2010 - official
12 Jun 10, Arabian Business
The UAE's trade surplus for 2010 is expected to rise 15 percent from 2009, a foreign trade official said on Friday. The country's surplus stood at $16.1 billion last year.
Hitachi eyes Mideast as part of nuclear project plans
10 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Japanese technology giant Hitachi is aiming to build 13 nuclear power plants in the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, the company has said. Masayuki Fukutomi, a spokesperson from the Hitachi Middle East branch said that the Japanese firm, which was the third largest technological company by revenue in 2009, is planning to build 150 nuclear power plants across the world by 2030.
GDF Suez, Sojitz in $2.1bln Saudi power joint venture
09 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Electricity said it has agreed to form a $2.1bn joint-venture that includes GDF Suez and Japan's Sojitz Corp to produce much needed electricity for the Kingdom. The state-controlled power utility holds a 50 percent stake in the Darmaa Power Co which will operate Riyadh 11 independent power plant, while GDF Suez, Sojitz and local Jomaih Holding Group together hold the remaining half, Saudi Electricity said.
Total, Abengoa to build UAE solar power plant
09 Jun 10, Arabian Business
France's Total, Spain's Abengoa and the UAE's Masdar will build a 100 megawatt concentrated solar power (CSP) plant southwest of Abu Dhabi, Masdar said in a statement on Wednesday. The CSP, named Shams 1, would be the largest in the world and would qualify for carbon credits under the United Nation's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Masdar said.
Saudi Arabia: Western, Southern Regions to be linked to unified electricity grid
09 Jun 10, Saudi Gazette
The Saudi Electricity Company is scheduled over the next few days to link the Western and Southern Regions to a unified power generating network.
Egypt: Ten companies qualify for public-private thermal power plant
08 Jun 10, Daily News Egypt
Ten local and foreign companies and consortiums, out of 19, have qualified for the establishment of the first thermal energy power plant in Egypt, with investments of $1.5 billion, under the BOO system, reported Al-Masry Al-Youm.
Oman: Consortium to build two power projects
08 Jun 10, Gulf News
Oman has awarded a $1.7 billion contract for the construction of two power projects to a consortium. The Barka 3 and Sohar 2 are greenfield natural gas-fired power plants with a capacity of 744 megawatts each
Power consumption levels highest in Kuwait history
08 Jun 10, Khaleej Times
The Ministry of Electricity and Water has been making a concerted effort these days to prevent a power crisis from occurring in the country. This is after power consumption levels shot up to highest in the history of Kuwait earlier this week. The inauguration of the first stage of the Subbiya plant next year will help the ministry tackle all the power overload in the summer of 2011. The first stage will add 1,300 megawatts to the country's power production levels
March on toward power self sufficiency
07 Jun 10, Arab News
Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC), which is majority state-owned, says its power generation capacity rose to almost 45,400 megawatts (MW) in the first quarter of 2010, up 76 percent from 25,800 MW in April 2000.
Iran: 10 Power Plants Go Private
07Jun 10, Iran Daily
Deputy head of Tavanir Company (governmental body under the Ministry of Energy focused on the generation, transmission and distribution of power in Iran) said construction of 10 power plants has been ceded to the private sector.
Saudi Arabia to implement new power tariffs - Jul 1
05 Jun 10, Arabian Business
Saudi Electricity will raise tariffs for government, commercial and industrial users as of July 1, which would add 3.2 billion riyals ($853.3 million) to its annual revenues and boost its profitability. This is the latest gesture from the government to help its state-controlled power utility cope with power demand growing at an annual 8 percent and requiring investments close to $80 billion in the ten years to 2018.
Kuwait: Fear of power outages as indicator nears maximum
03 Jun 10, Kuwait Times
Yesterday, the registered amount of electricity consumed reached close to a critical level. The consumption of energy reached about 9,750 Mega Watts yesterday, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Water's website. Such excessive consumption, experts observed, could threaten to cut power in certain areas.
UAE nuclear safety law to be tightened
03 Jun 10, Gulf News
A set of safety and security regulations, drafted on international practices, are to be added to the UAE's nuclear law by the end of this year.
Delegation of French companies from the nuclear energy sector to visit the UAE
02 Jun 10, AME Info
28 French companies will visit Abu Dhabi on 13th and 14th June, 2010 to showcase the French expertise in the civil nuclear field. The purpose of the visit is to take stock of nuclear market opportunities in the UAE, and to explore the potential for commercial and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
ABB wins $8.3m GCC power grid service deal
02 Jun 10, Trade Arabia
ABB, a leading power and automation technology group, has won a $8.3 million contract to provide maintenance for equipment and systems at the Gulf Interconnection Grid’s newly constructed substations.
Egypt raised $170mln loan from Kuwait for power plant
01 Jun 10, Daily News Egypt
Egypt raised a $170 million loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to help it build a 750 MW power plant north of Cairo, Reuters quoted an official at the Ministry of Electricity and Energy as saying. Egypt, which now has about 25,000 MW of electricity capacity, plans to add another 9,200 MW by 2012. It intends to spend $100-120 billion to triple capacity by 2027.
Energy a bane or a boon?
01 Jun 10, Gulf News
Utilisation of hydrogen energy to fulfil the UAE's energy needs would be one of the key measures that the country could undertake to achieve a sustainable development without major environmental consequences. Hydrogen can be produced from nuclear energy by means of steam methane reforming using nuclear energy for the endothermic heat of reaction, conventional electrolysis using nuclear generated electricity, thermo-chemical cycles for water splitting, hybrid cycles combining thermo-chemical and electrolytic steps or high temperature electrolysis using nuclear electricity and heat.