- We are studying the establishment of renewable energy projects on the islands of Failaka and Bubiyan to diversify sources of income
- Encouraging citizens to establish companies working in the field of installing photovoltaic energy systems
Darren Al-Ali
The Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, and the Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Mutlaq Abu Raqba, affirmed that the Ministry of Electricity is proceeding with the stages of implementing renewable energy projects, according to the agreed timelines, whether it is implemented by the Ministry, such as the project of installing photovoltaic panels over the Sabiya water tanks, or that will be offered through the Authority for Partnership Projects between the two sectors. Public and private, such as the Shagaya project.
Abu Quba said in a press statement that the ministry is striving to accelerate the pace of work in implementing national plans to produce at least 15% of the country’s electrical network consumption from renewable energy sources by the year 2030, based on the directives of His Highness the Emir and His Highness the Crown Prince, and at a time when In it, the Ministry seeks to implement its projects, specifically the Shagaya project, which is expected to produce 4,400 megawatts. It is studying several proposals to implement more renewable energy projects.
He added: Among the proposals that we are studying during the current period is the establishment of renewable energy projects on the islands of Failaka and Bubiyan, in line with the vision of the Council of Ministers for developing the islands to diversify sources of income, explaining that he is in the process of issuing a decision to purchase renewable energy from others within the next few days, so that It includes all sectors of the state with the exception of the government and industrial sectors, to be considered later, pointing out that the ministry has completed conducting surveys, technical, financial, environmental and indicative studies, and examining the experiences of neighboring countries in the process of purchasing renewable energy produced from others to reduce wasteful consumption patterns in order to reach optimal consumption and reduce associated pollution. The process of producing electricity from stations whose operation depends on fossil fuels.
He continued: The regulatory framework would encourage citizens and small investors to establish companies working in the field of installing photovoltaic energy systems and related equipment, indicating that the framework includes steps for requesting the installation of photovoltaic energy systems on the roofs of facilities and the consequent terms and conditions for the customer with an explanation of all categories. Targeted, according to Emiri Decree No. 57 of 2022, indicating that the framework also reviews the work of awareness programs for the customer showing him the required technical specifications and the method of calculating the economic study of the system in addition to some technical information, provided that the performance of the systems is measured through various performance indicators.
He pointed out that obtaining the approval of the Civil Service Council regarding the establishment of a department for renewable energy projects within the organizational structure of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, in line with the Emiri Decree, as it will be specialized in following up all renewable energy projects, conducting research and studies, and developing strategies and visions for these projects.
With regard to the Shagaya project, he indicated that the joint committee between the ministry and the Authority for Partnership Projects was close to raising its recommendation regarding the project, which is expected to have a production capacity of 4,400 megawatts, in preparation for issuing its tender, which will be implemented in 4 stages, stressing that the project would contribute to providing job opportunities for national cadres. Also, this type of projects offered according to the partnership system contributes to the involvement of the private sector in the implementation of development projects under Law 116 of 2014, in addition to this, the project limits the use of fossil fuels in the production of electricity, and preserves the environment from carbon emissions.
The phases of the Shaqaya project
and implementation dates
The first phase will include the installation of PV panels with a capacity of 1,100 megawatts, and is expected to be implemented in 2027.
* The second phase, in which concentrated thermal energy panels (CSP) will be installed, with a production capacity of 200 megawatts and a storage capacity of 5 hours, with the aim of maintaining the stability of the electrical network, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
The third phase will be implemented with photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 1,500 megawatts and is expected to be completed in 2027.
The fourth phase will be implemented with photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 1,700 megawatts and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Re-launching “Abduliya” at the end of next year
Minister Abu Quba announced that the ministry has a tendency to involve the companies of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries that have proven their competence in implementing such projects to complete the Abdalia plant project for the production of renewable energy, which the ministry will re-introduce at the end of next year, indicating that the production capacity of the project will be between 180 and 200 megawatts. On an area of 2 km2.
