The Emirates Electric National Grid (EENG) is expected to be fully operation by the end of 2002. Once complete, the EENG will link internal networks of the emirates to one national grid, reported the official WAM news agency.
The first phase of work on the national grid involved creating a network connection between Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and the central regions with Dubai. The second phase will consist of merging the Abu Dhabi and other networks into a national grid.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government signed an agreement with Electricite de France (EDF), to carry out the design study and consultancy services. EDF is evaluating the status and stability of each network and assessing the technical specifications and financial considerations of the project. It is also studying the possibility of connecting EENG with grids of other Gulf Cooperation Council States (GCC) states.
Studies have shown that regional power needs are expected to top 193,000 mega watts in 2020, of which 116,000 mega watts will be required for the Arabian Gulf area and 58,000 for Saudi Arabia alone. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
