*Plant can generate 2,520MW of electricity and 136.5mn gallons of drinking water per day, which meets 30% of the country's needs of power and 40% of its desalinated water
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised on Monday the inauguration ceremony of Umm Al Houl Power Plant that can generate 2,520 megawatt of electricity and 136.5mn gallons of drinking water per day.
The ceremony, held by Qatar Electricity and Water Company in Umm Al Houl area, was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, and a number of ministers and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State.
Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi said the Umm Al Houl Power Plant was one of the most important power projects in Qatar and an addition to the long list of projects that the country has implemented to provide the necessary infrastructure for development and to support comprehensive development.
The minister pointed out that the plant is capable of generating 2,520 megawatt of electricity and 136.5mn gallons of drinking water per day, which meets 30% of the country's needs of power and 40% of its desalinated water.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronized the inauguration of Umm Al Houl Power plant, during a ceremony held by Qatar Electricity and Water Company in Umm Al Houl area
He explained that the importance of this plant stems from the value it provides to the Qatari economy along with its sophisticated reverse osmosis technology, which would support the efforts to reduce gas emission and raise the efficiency of performance. These are two important elements of the success of the electricity and water production operations in the country, he said.
HE al-Kabi pointed out that the project, despite all challenges, was completed on time and within the estimated cost of about QR11bn, using the highest technical and international standards and taking into account the least impact on the environment.
He also praised the importance attached by the management of Umm Al Houl Company to the safety of workers at the site, where more than 14,000 workers were present at the same time, registering the big achievement of 69mn hours without accidents.
The minister welcomed the partners in the Umm Al Houl project, namely Mitsubishi and JERA from Japan, which have strong co-operation with Qatar for more than 50 years in oil and gas, and in the construction of power plants and water desalination. He also praised all those who contributed to the completion of the project, including Qatar Electricity and Water Company, Samsung and Hitachi, as well as local contractors, led by Al Jaber and Mott MacDonald that oversaw the project in the design and implementation stages.
Fahad bin Hamad al-Mohannadi, Chairman of Umm Al Houl Power Company and General Manager of Qatar Electricity and Water Company, said electricity plays an important role in the economy in any country, and water is the most important component of human life. "That is why most countries are keen to provide the electricity needed to advance the economy in addition to securing their water needs."
He said the Umm Al Houl power project combines efficiency of performance through optimal utilisation of natural gas through optimal use of thermal energy and reverse osmosis technology, which are considered the best in terms of environment, pointing to the strategic location of the project that feeds both Doha, Al Wakrah and the Industrial Area, as well as its connection to the major reservoirs.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Takehiko Kakiuchi described the Umm Al Houl Power Plant as a tremendous achievement, noting that it is the first investment project for Mitsubishi in Qatar.
He said the project was completed before the contractual date, adding that participation in such a project was a real proof of Mitsubishi's strategy.
A short film about the power plant, its production volume and its role in providing electricity and water was shown during the ceremony.
His Highness the Amir placed the magnetic piece in the logo of the power plant to officially inaugurate it.
Following the ceremony, the Amir toured the plant, where he was briefed on the functioning of the plant.
Umm Al Houl Power Plant is one of the largest water desalination and power generation plants in the region. It represents a great addition to water and electric security in Qatar. QEWC owns 60% of the Umm Al Houl Power Plant, Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Foundation own 5% each, and Mitsubishi-TIBCO owns the remaining 30%.
The plant is located at a strategic location to secure the requirements of the economic and urban development witnessed in Qatar, thanks to the wise leadership and its keenness on the development of the country.
