$34bn power, water projects underway in the UAE

New power-generation capacity is a priority for the Middle East as it copes with growing populations.

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New power, water and energy projects valued at $180bn are underway, or at the planning stages, in the Middle East, with the UAE alone forging ahead with 20 projects worth $34.2bn.

Spearheaded by the $20bn nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, which began construction late last year, the UAE will be one of the most active markets in the power, water and energy sectors over the next two years, at a time when power demand across all GCC countries is expected to grow 8% to 10% a year.

Saudi Arabia holds the lion’s share of investment value in the region, due to the $100bn King Abdullah City of Atomic and Renewable Energy, which begins construction in 2013. The Kingdom also has a further 15 projects worth nearly $9bn currently underway, or due to begin in 2012.

Qatar recently announced plans to build at least eight power and water facilities worth $4.8bn in the next three years, including the $3bn Qatar Facility D power project, which is slated have construction started on in 2012.

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Meanwhile, Bahrain has four projects currently ongoing worth $4.2bn; Kuwait has 17 projects valued at $4bn; while Oman has put aside $2.9bn for 13 new power, water and energy projects which will begin construction in 2012.

Underlining huge opportunities for energy sector manufacturers and service providers within the region and worldwide, the scale of development in the Middle East is highlighted by figures collated by market research specialist Ventures Middle East.

This is ahead of Middle East Electricity, taking place from 7 to 9 February at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors, Middle East Electricity is the world’s leading energy event that focuses on the power, lighting, renewable, nuclear and water sectors.

Exhibition director Anita Mathews said: “According to the World Energy Council, the GCC will require 100GW of additional power over the next ten years to meet growing demand. The power sector will require $50bn worth of investments in new power-generating capacity and $20bn in desalination.

“In response, new contractor awards in the power, water and renewable energy sectors are being announced every month in the Middle East, as seen in December last year, when six new contractor awards were announced in Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq, valued at $1.5bn, while in January this year, five new contractor awards worth $130m were announced in the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman.

“This, too, is reflected in exhibitor space at Middle East Electricity 2012, which has exceeded last year’s occupied space by 15%. We have also seen growth in exhibitor numbers, and expect more than 15,000 unique visitors to attend the three-day event.”