(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Abu Dhabi's new mega power plant has started commercial generation in Shuweihat coastal area in the Western Region supplying 1,510 megawatts of electricity to the electric grid.
The Shuweihat S2 plant is fully operational, providing 1,510 megawatts of electricity and 100MIGD of water under a 25-year power and water purchase agreement with the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company. It achieved project commercial operation date, effective from October 18, 2011.
Abu Dhab's demand for electricity is forecast to rise by 11.3 per cent a year by 2015, on the back of new oil and gas expansion and industrial activity.
Construction of the plant started in December 2008 by a consortium of Siemens AG, Samsung C&T Corporation, and Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Company Ltd. The new plant is located next to S1, which generates 1,500 megawatts of electricity and 100 million imperial gallons of water per day.
Another project has been approved to be built at the same place to generate 1,600 megawatts of electricity. It will come on line in 2014.
GDF Suez Middle East, Turkey and Africa, which has 20 per cent stake in the project, with its majority partners Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), which owns 54 per cent shares, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, or Adwea, six per cent shares. Japan's Marubeni Corporation and Osaka Gas each have 10 per cent share.
Shankar Krishnamoorthy, president and CEO of IPR-GDF SuezZ META, said that the successful completion of Shuweihat S2 demonstrates once again both the flexibility and efficiency of project partners and, in particular, Adwea and Taqa. He said the key to the success of any large and complex project is a robust partnership based on mutual respect and trust.
International Power now has five power and water plants in operation in the UAE. It includes Al Taweelah A1, Shuweihat S1, Umm Al Nar, Fujairah F2 and Shuweihat S2. Together these assets contribute 8.8GW power and 557 MIGD water to the country's capacity.
In 2011, International Power's Operations & Maintenance teams in the UAE achieved a reliability of 98 per cent of the company's fleet, which is a major contribution to the sustainability of the local economy.
IPR-GDF Suez Middle East, Turkey & Africa, is one of the six regions of International Power plc, which is 70 per cent, owned by GDF Suez.
In the Middle East, Turkey & Africa region, International Power which is 70 per cent owned by GDF Suez, has a direct equity interest in more than 26 GW power capacity and almost 4.8 million m"/day of desalination capacity in operation and under construction.
In the GCC, it is the leading operating independent power and desalinated water producer, with over 15 years of experience.
