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Bahrain Tribune - Planned gas and electricity links
between the Gulf States will change the existing
dynamics as the $7 billion Dolphin project due to come
on stream in 2007 will mean the creation of true GCC gas
grid, says Neil Walker (right), Marketing Manager,
PennWell at Power-Gen Middle East 2007.
He said that the Dolphin project will link Qatar, the
UAE and Oman. Meanwhile the GCC Grid Interconnection
project will reduce the amount of investment required in
new generating plants in each state by creating a means
for reserve sharing and ultimately trading, between
states.
Walker said: "In early December, a high committee of the
GCC ordered a study into the creation of a joint
programme of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
This move follows an earlier announcement by Egypt that
it was planning to develop nuclear technology. The move
by the GCC countries was seen as having political
connotations given Iran's development of uranium
enrichment technology and the presence of nuclear weapon
technology in Israel."
He said that there is a host of power and water
infrastructure activity in the region, from genset
manufacturers supplying the construction trade through
to major power and water project development and
strengthening of transmission systems. Most countries in
the region have demonstrated a sufficient level of
stability that developers are now willing to risk
capital. It all adds up to interesting business
opportunities for both local and international firms
active in the sector.Many of the Middle East electricity and water projects have progressed in the last three years and several new ones have been announced. GCC states like Bahrain, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, who have opted for private participation in their power sector, have pursued this course with renewed vigour and have been joined by more recent converts.