Qatari Ambition

Desalination capacity in Qatar is set to rise.

Like its GCC neighbours, Qatar is feeling the effects of increasing urbanisation and industrialisation. Rising demand for power and water is leading to huge investments into the utilities sector, and an increasingly diverse energy supply.

Subject to the scorching desert heat, Qatar is racing to keep up with the demands for power and water of its citizens.

This is no easy task. In 2009, consumption of electricity increased by 14 percent, while water use went up by eight percent. Qatar has turned to public-private enterprise to deal with this challenge.

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Independent Power and Water Plants (IWPPs) have been key in coping with the dual demand for electricity and water. The first IWPP, Ras Laffan A, started operations in 2004. Ras Laffan C, now known as Ras Girtas, is destined to be the largest IWPP in Qatar, is due to become operational in April 2011.

Media reports in January suggested that Qatar would also award a contract for a 2,000MW power plant during 2010. The plant is estimated to cost between US$2.5bn and $3bn and would be operational by 2012-2013, if awarded by the end of the year.

Alternative Thinking
Qatar is looking to diversify its energy supply, and is exploring nuclear and solar power options. In November 2008, Qatar announced plans to launch a preliminary study into the viability of developing a nuclear power plant in the country. The study will look for an appropriate site and assess potential to link the plant to the grid. Both Russia and France are looking to capitalise on Qatar’s nuclear ambitions.

Then, in January this year, Qatar announced that it was seeking to construct a major new solar power plant. Reports suggest that nearly 25 local and international companies are in discussions for the launch of the plant, which will require an investment of $1bn.

In addition, the Qatar Foundation announced a joint venture with German company SolarWorld, to produce polysilicon, the main ingredient in solar panels, at a $500 million plant in northern Qatar.

The Qatar Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has commissioned France’s Sogreah to carry out a feasibility study for what would be Qatar’s first solar-powered desalination plants.

The company has been asked to look at establishing several plants. Kahramaa has suggested using parabolic trough solar technology and multi-effect distillation, though Sogreah will make its own recommendation on which technology to use and where to situate the plants.