(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, has said that the UAE, led by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strives to upgrade the country's role as a world centre for research and development in the areas of energy and renewable energy.
He added that the efforts of Shaikh Khalifa were being followed by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Shaikh Hamadan made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of a major new power and water plant in Al Gharbia (Western Region) of Abu Dhabi in the presence of other senior government representatives and dignitaries.
Located 260 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi, Shuweihat S2 is the latest addition to Abu Dhabi's power and water infrastructure network. It adds 1,510 megawatts to the emirate's generation capacity, enough to provide power to more than 300,000 homes. The plant also produces up to 100 million imperial gallons of potable water each day, representing 15 per cent of Abu Dhabi's water desalination capacity.
Shuweihat 2 is owned by Ruwais Power Company, a joint venture of Taqa, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Adwea, GDF Suez, Marubeni and Osaka Gas.
The Ruwais Power Company partners have invested $2.7 billion in the construction of Shuweihat S2 with a view to meeting the challenge of providing reliable energy and water to a population in Abu Dhabi predicted to rise to five million by 2030. Shaikh Hamdan said the inauguration of Shuweihat S2 in Al Ruwais city is "a practical translation of the interest of the state in providing basic services and decent living conditions to Emiratis in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030." He added that the UAE leadership gives priority to the issue of diversification of energy sources in Abu Dhabi.
He commended the existing partnerships between the UAE and international major companies to implement strategic projects.
The ceremony was attended by Nasser Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development, Major General Obaid Al Hairi Salem Al Ketbi, Deputy General Commander of Abu Dhabi Police, Dr Mughair Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Staff Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA), Mohammed Hammed bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Acting Under-Secretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in the Western Region, Sultan bin Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Director of the Office of Ruler's Representative in Western Region, Japanese Ambassador to the UAE, Yoshihiko Kamo and a number of army and police officers.
Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Executive Council, Director-General of Adwea, said, "The late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan told us that we must not rely on oil alone as the main source of our national income." He added that Shaikh Zayed had advised us "to diversify the sources of our revenue, and through implementing economic projects, that will ensure stable and decent living conditions for Emiratis".
He added that the Shuweihat S2 plant is more evidence of the UAE's commitment to development. Al Nuaimi also praised the equipment suppliers, Siemens, Samsung, C&T and Doosan. Carl Sheldon, chief executive officer of Taqa, said, "By investing in a new power and water desalination infrastructure, we are helping to ensure energy, security and resilience to one of the most important engines of growth in Abu Dhabi."
Addressing the audience, Dirk Beeuwsaert, Chairman of International Power Ltd and Advisor to the President, CEO of GDF Suez, said, "The key to the success of any project of this size and complexity is having a robust partnership in place. The successful completion of Shuweihat S2 is testament to the flexibility and efficiency of our project partners."
Electricity and water supply from Shuweihat S2 is transferred to Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company (Adwec) under a 25-year purchase agreement. The plant employs approximately 100 people. Under the aegis of Abu Dhabi's "2030 Economic Vision", the Shuweihat S2 plant will contribute to the continued economic diversification and community development in Al Gharbia.
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