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Northern Emirates’ power demand to double in 5 years

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DUBAI - Demand for power in Northern Emirates is expected to double from 1,140MW in next five years power industry experts say.

Published: Sat 28 Aug 2004, 9:54 PM

Updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 11:54 PM

  • By
  • Sandhya D'mello

The existing demand of 1,140MW is being met by Fujairah Electricity and Water Supply (FEWA) and Union Water and Electricity Supply (UWEC).

“Steps are being taken by the Government of Fujairah to attract huge foreign investments in various economic sectors. The entire Northern Emirates belt, which include Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Qwain and a small part of Sharjah are opening up for residential as well as industrial purposes."

In the entire Northern Emirates belt, Fujairah is believed to be most strategically located for future power investment, due to its proximity with the ocean. Industry sources opine that there are strong rumours of a potential steel plant coming up in Fujairah which would require a huge power supply, followed by a metals company. The opening of the industrial sector in northern emirates will require the infrastructure boost with sectors like power, telecom opening up for investments sources added.

Rise in construction sector and boom in real estate in emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman also indicate rise in demand for power supply. Sources said: “At present, Abu Dhabi is attracting foreign investments in power sector by throwing open participation of foreign companies in terms of privatisation.

Also, Abu Dhabi has undertaken feasibility studies to assess the potential demand for power in northern emirates.

Sources further said: “The future of electricity industry in Gulf depends to a great extent on the development of internal, regional and cross regional grid. Geographically, Gulf enjoys the added advantage of abundance of resources in terms of natural oil and gas.”

Recently UWEC announced the completion of a new transmission line, which is an early part of 68km power transmission line set up from Fujairah to Al Dhaid, Sharjah.

The announcement was the first step towards meeting the growing demand in northern emirates. The UWEC’s Dh120 million power project is completed by Larsen and Toubro.

Under the instruction from The President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UWEC has completed the 400kV Transmission line that connects Fujairah Water and Power Plant (FWPP) and the FEWA network at Al Dhaid.



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