DEWA holds Hassyan Clean Coal Power conference for phase I bidders

Dubai (WAM): Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) yesterday held a conference for qualifying international developers who intend to send their proposals for the Hassyan project to produce 1,200 MW of electricity using clean coal. The project underlines DEWA’s efforts to meet Dubai’s increasing demand for energy and support the sustainable development of the Emirate. It underscores DEWA’s view that the private sector is part of Dubai’s success in green development. The project is one of the most important initiatives for Dubai Government and for DEWA. It is being developed according to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the sustainable development of Dubai. It also supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which was launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to diversify the energy mix by 2030. Among 17 qualification documents received, eight developers were qualified to submit their bids. The first phase of the project is expected to be operational by 2020. In his opening speech at the conference, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, welcomed the over 100 delegates at the Jumeirah Creekside hotel. He commended the developers for choosing to participate in this important project, stressing the importance of their skills and expertise that will be the cornerstone of their partnership with DEWA to build and complete this promising project. "Dubai embodies an impressive success story with its capability and efficiency in all its operations. DEWA produces about 9,656 MW of electricity and 470 million gallons of desalinated water each day. Over 9,000 employees work at DEWA," said Al Tayer. "DEWA continues to serve the Emirate, and focuses on implementing vital projects to upgrade its infrastructure to achieve the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai’s pioneering position in the region and promote its role as a global hub for trade, finance and tourism. Dubai’s infrastructure is characterised by efficiency, reliability, and development, and has attracted international investments. It has also enhanced sustainable economic growth," Al Tayer added. "The Hassyan project will produce electricity using clean coal based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and is one of the first projects to adopt IPP. It is the biggest and first of its kind to produce electricity in Dubai using clean coal. It is implemented as a part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030." "DEWA is committed to continue its success stories by implementing this project, which supports continuous efforts to ensure the sustainability of energy supplies by diversifying the energy mix. DEWA is adopting the IPP model, out of its belief that it is one of the developed models that will help achieve its aspirations and enhance its strategic growth," added Al Tayer. Al Tayer noted that DEWA will not only buy the electricity produced by the station, but also that it will be the biggest partner in the project. He noted that DEWA has been upgraded lately by Moody’s to Baa2, while Standard & Poor’s has given it BBB classification. This is a result of the developments DEWA has made in strengthening its financial position. DEWA is committed to ensuring the success of the project in light of its strong financial position. During the conference, participants had the chance to interact and discuss with DEWA and its consultants who answered their technical, financial, legal, and other enquiries. The tender closing date is the end of November 2014. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/economics/1395269778301.html