Qatar would be ready to export its excess energy capacity to other countries in the region, including countries in the GCC, if needed in case of emergency, Umm Al Houl Power CEO Jamal Al Khalaf said here yesterday.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the inauguration of the QR11bn Umm Al Houl Power Plant at the new economic zone, Al Khalaf said Qatar is prepared to heed its moral duty despite the unjust blockade imposed on the country.
He added, “It’s a moral thing that you cannot stop. If others are in need, it’s important to help. You can see that Qatar did not stop exporting gas to the UAE, and we will not deny exporting electricity if they need it. Whether them, or others like Kuwait, Oman, any other countries, it’s fine with us”.
The newly inaugurated water and power plant, will generate a daily production capacity of 136.5mn gallons of water and 2520 MW of electricity, was earlier planned to have its excess energy capacity to be exported to GCC countries in the short-term, before the blockade took place.
At a press conference held earlier on the sidelines of the opening ceremony for the Umm Al Houl Power Plant, Al Khalaf also said, “First of all, even though we are under blockade, still the interconnection between the GCC is intact. It has not been disconnected. Secondly, if I have access of power, I can shut down my gas turbine, shield my gas, and save that power plant for emergency. But I think, other countries need the power more than us. We have access, other countries are in need of that, and we are ready to support them whenever they need. I will not mention the countries, but any countries need support from Qatar, Qatar is always open to deliver it in case of emergency”.
According to Al Khalaf, the Umm Al Houl Plant currently produces about 1000MW, with the maximum production capacity of 2520MW; and is scheduled to wait for the peak demand for electricity in the summer to see the performance of the plant during that period.
He also said there is a surplus for the production of electricity in the country, where the maximum load capacity is 8500MW compared to the production capacity of 11300MW; therefore there is surplus energy that can be used in emergency circumstances.
During the event, Al Khalaf also reiterated that Umm Al Houl was committed to employing Qatari talent, and added that Qatarization at the company has reached 9 percent.
Officials from Mitsubishi Corporation also attended the press conference, where they expressed their confidence to operate the plant safely and efficiently in the coming 25 years, due to their expertise in the field. The Mitsubishi Corporation officials were Hiroshi Sakuma, executive vice president and Group CEO (Global Environmental & Infrastructure Business Group) and Katsuya Nakanishi, Division COO (New Energy & Power Generation Division).
The Peninsula
26/03/2019
