Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has announced the launch of a 220 megawatts (MW)solar energy power project at the COP18/ CMP8.
The estimated $30m worth initial phase of the project would be tendered in the first quarter of 2013. The second phase would be completed over the next eight years, Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President of Kahramaa, said in the presence of Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada.
Renewable energy is a one of the strategic choices that reflect Kahramaa’s commitment to the international efforts to address the environmental problems and issues, particularly climate change. Although the State of Qatar is one of the world’s main exporters of oil and natural gas, and that a large part of its economic interests is linked to these vital resources, it is aware of its global responsibility.
Al Kuwari said the energy production in Qatar is mainly based on the use of natural gas as a fuel to produce electricity. It is sold to power plants at subsidized prices that are much lower than the international prices. Generating one kilowatt of electricity from other renewable resources, such as solar energy, represents a saving in the cost of production.
“So we can take advantage of gas sale in the world market at international prices instead of using gas as feedstock in the traditional stations. In addition, it will result in positive environmental benefits in reducing emissions of harmful gases, mainly CO2, in the light of fulfilling the requirements of economic and environmental development in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030”.
Al Kuwari said the proposed 200MW solar project would be implemented in two phases: the first includes the implementation of five to 10 megawatt pilot projects costing about QR109.5m or $30m.
The engineering, construction and operation projects of this phase will tendered in the first quarter of next year.
The second phase will include review and study the business model based on the results of projects of the first phase to consider the possibility of involvement of the private sector investment that will provide mutual benefit to the Corporation and the private sector.
“We will implement projects with a production capacity in the range of 150-200 megawatts over the next eight years at the corporation’s stations and its lands. The project implementation will help make use of the under-utilized lands.
“Kaharamaa, ever since its inception in 2000, have been acting in accordance with best international and local standards as Qatar National Vision 2030 envisages environment management that ensures the harmony between economic and social and development, Al Kuwari said.
The Peninsula
4 December
