The UAE’s Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) has inked a deal worth $83 million (Dh304m) for the design and installation of electricity stations in the northern emirates.
The agreement will see transport and contracting company Al Jaber steer the delivery of the 33/11-kV power station projects in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, in addition to the expansion of existing stations in these regions.
Director General of Fewa Mohammed Mohammed Saleh said the installations would help raise the capacity of power distribution to meet the growing energy needs in the northern emirates.
During the start of the three-day Middle East Electricity (MEE) fair at Dubai International Exhibition Centre today, it was also revealed that several countries in the region have set aside multi-billion dollar budget to expand their respective power and water infrastructure projects.
“Faced with the ever-growing challenge to supply increasing amounts of electricity and water for the industrial and domestic sectors, the region’s governments have made these projects a priority, creating huge demand for both traditional and innovative products and services that will help them meet their objectives,” said Sarah Woodbridge, a director at IIR Middle East, organisers of the MEE fair.
Debate on nuclear power versus renewable energy
There is much debate as to whether the solution to the growing demand for power can be found through traditional means or whether the ever-evolving renewable sector can provide enough cheap, clean and reliable energy to satisfy the region’s needs.
Then there’s the controversial option of nuclear power, which is gaining increasing support as reliable low-carbon energy source.
Recently, the UAE awarded a South Korean group a $40 billion contract deal that would see construction of the first nuclear plant in the Gulf Arab region, expected to start supplying power to the UAE grid in 2017.
“The pressing need to increase power and water generation capability means that regional budgets for projects in these areas have maintained their recession-proof status throughout the economic downturn, and as the region slowly moves into a period of renewed growth, the energy and water industry may well be the catalyst that will help kick start regional economic recovery,” added Woodbridge.
This year’s electricity exhibition, it its 35th edition, has seen an increase in exhibitor numbers to 1,000 drawn from 54 countries.
German, China showcase powerful innovations
Participants are showcasing comprehensive innovation of products and services from every aspect of the energy industry, with Germany and China being the biggest players at the exhibition halls. The two countries sent a huge delegation of industry professionals drawn from sectors like lighting, power generation and renewable energy.
China in particular is staging a special matchmaking event aimed at helping industry professionals meet potential suppliers from the 112 Chinese exhibitors, who are offering unique demonstrations of their latest products, services and supplies.
“Between them, the exhibitors at MEE 2010 can deliver effective solutions to all of the region’s power and water needs, be they product, service or expertise-based,” said Woodbridge.
A series of seminars are being held alongside the exhibition, featuring the latest developments in the industry and presented by some of the top leading energy and water companies.
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