Qatari Ambition

Desalination capacity in Qatar is set to rise.

Ras Laffan A to the C
The first Independent Power and Water Project (IWPP) in Qatar, Ras Laffan A, was built by the Ras Laffan Power Company, a joint venture between the AES Corporation, who hold 55 percent, QEWC (25 percent), Qatar Petroleum (10 percent) and the Gulf Investment Corporation of Kuwait (10 percent). 

Completed in 2004, Ras Laffan A generates 750MW and produces 151 million litres of desalinated water per day.

Ras Laffan B started production in 2008. The plant was constructed by Q-Power, a consortium comprising the Qatar Electricity and Water Corporation, holding 55 percent, the UK’s International Power (40 percent), and Japan’s Chubu Electric Power (5 percent).

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At a cost of US$900 million, it generates 1,025MW and produces 60 million gallons of water. Completing the power hat-trick will be Ras Laffan C. Renamed Ras Girtas, the plant will be Qatar’s, and the GCC’s, largest IWPP, with a generating capacity of 2,730MW and 286,000 cubic meters of desalinated water.

The Qatari-incorporated Ras Girtas Power Company (RGPC) will own, operate and manage the project. In March 2008, GDF Suez and Mitsui were awarded the contract to built the IWPP.

The consortium will hold a 40 percent stake, with Qatar Petroleum and the Qatar Electricity and Water Corporation splitting the remaining 60 percent. Construction started in May 2009, and the plant is expected to be operational in April 2011 at a cost of $3.7 billion.

Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and ABB have all received contract relating to the project.

On the rise
Desalinated water produced per year, in million cubic meters

2008 – 207 e
2009 – 222 f
2010 – 254 f
2011 – 279 f
2012 – 297 f
2013 – 307 f

e = estimated
f = forecast

Facts:

• 9GW Power generating capacity in 2011.
• 8 percent increase in water consumption in 2009.
• 14 percent increase in power consumption in 2009.

This article is based on information compiled in the Qatar Infrastructure Report Q2 2010, and the Qatar Water Report Q2, 2010 published by Business Monitor International (BMI). For more information, go to www.businessmonitor.com