Siemens to build major new power plant in UAE

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Siemens to build major new power plant in UAE

Siemens is to develop a major gas-fired power plant in the Northern Emirates to help the demand for its growing power needs.

The German company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) for the construction of a 2.2 gigawatt plant in the Northern Emirates to “enhance the electricity infrastructure in the area”, said Siemens. No other details have been provided.

Dietmar Siersdorfer, the chief executive of Siemens Middle East and UAE, said that this deal fell in line with the company’s strategy to play an even greater role in the country’s power sector.

Siemens technology accounts for about 40 per cent of electricity generated in the UAE. This includes the Dh1.47 billion expansion at the Jebel Ali M-Station agreed last year.

While Siemens did not release specifics, the company is pushing its H-class gas turbines, which it claims has the highest efficiency rates on the market, standing at 61 per cent.

Using less fuel means more for exporting, which is a plus in the low oil price environment.

And all of this would help the Northern Emirates as it struggles with insufficient power generation.

Fewa is trying to ramp up construction of additional capacity as well as draw power from the larger emirates through the Emirates National Grid.

Last month, Fewa inaugurated the Dh33.9 million Al Hamra substation in Umm Al Quwain, reducing loads on the old power station. Fewa’s external director of shared services, Adnan Naseeb, said that there would be future expansion plans for Al Hamra.

Source: www.thenational.ae

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.