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Abu Dhabi opts for solar power

A tender has been issued by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC) for the design, supply, installation and operation of the first ever solar power plant to be built in the Gulf.

The $350 million (AED 1.28 billion) plant, which is expected to be completed in 2009, is part of Abu Dhabi's drive to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon power.
ADFEC, a subsidiary of government-owned Mubadala Development Company and the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) will be the main investors in the project.

Abu Dhabi hopes to provide enough solar energy to power 10,000 homes, and does not wish to be dependent on hydrocarbon power, even though the emirate holds 90% of the UAE's oil reserves. German consultant engineer Fitcher has been assigned to the project to provide technical advisory services, while the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) will provide an evaluation study. The emirate is setting up a special economic zone for the alternative energy industry, and a feasibility study is being carried out to consider the viability of solar power as a replacement energy source to natural gas in the region.

"We have an economic development programme dedicated to establishing an entirely new economic sector focused on alternative energy and sustainable technologies," said Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of ADFEC.

"The plant will be the first of its kind in the Gulf, home to oil and gas producers who supply a fifth of the world's energy needs.

"Abu Dhabi knows the energy business rather well. It also enjoys competitive advantages allowing it to successfully establish these new industries, while simultaneously diversifying its economy and providing high-quality job opportunities," he added.

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