HE Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy, has emphasized the strength of the economic partnership between UAE and China. Today, several Chinese companies are playing a major role in strengthening the economic relationship between both parties and taking part in developing numerous vital and strategic projects at the country level.

This came in light of the visit of the Chinese President to UAE to demonstrate ways of mutual development in all fields. It is worth mentioning that DoE has a strategic partnership with China’s JincoSolar Holding which signed a contract to implement the Noor Abu Dhabi solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Suwaihan, in joint venture with Japanese Marubeni Corp. The project includes the development, financing, establishment, operation and maintenance of the independent plant at a capacity of 1,177 MW which is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2019.

Al Marar commended the Abu Dhabi experience in attracting major companies and international coalitions who are seeking to invest in the Middle East, especially projects implemented by DoE in partnership with the private sector. Example of this is Noor Abu Dhabi project, an independent solar power plant using PV technology located in Suwaihan, at a 120 Km South- east of the capital Abu Dhabi at a total cost of AED 3.2 billion. He also stated that the project will reduce the need for gas imports, achieve savings in water and electricity sector, fulfill the government’s attempts for diversifying energy resources and using clean energy, promote sustainable economy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and create job opportunities for UAE nationals especially at the eastern region.  Further, the plant is expected to supply Abu Dhabi grid with electricity within the second quarter of 2019.

In addition, Eng. Al Marar indicated that this project serves the Abu Dhabi’s vision in achieving sustainability of the sector. Besides, it goes under one of the most significant government programs aiming at building an integrated system of water and electricity being produced and generated from renewable and conventional resources which depend on innovative and sustainable solutions. He also expressed his appreciation towards the vision of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, and the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and the supervision of HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to provide the requirements of a decent life and well-being as core priority of the Country.

Moreover and at the economic level, the project will  lead to the diversity the energy resources in line with the economic developments objectives of Abu Dhabi Plan to establish alternative economic sectors contributes to economy diversification. Six global coalitions competed to implement the Noor Abu Dhabi plant project in 19 September 2016; where the most competitive bid was submitted by Marubeni Corp and JinkoSolar Holding of 8.888 fils/KWh, equivalent to 2.42 cents/ KWh. This is considered one of the world’s cheapest bid at the time, not to mention the vast savings it will achieve in the current gas used in electricity generation plants.

Furthermore, HE Chairman of DoE has lauded the Abu Dhabi’s experience as one of the best countries in terms of energy production and foreign investments compared to local economy as well as the great financial deals with global, regional and local entities marking one of the prodigious privatization experience around the world. In addition, the project was awarded lately as the best energy project in the Middle East and North Africa for the year 2017 during Project Finance International (PFI) Award, which runs on an annual basis in UK. HE affirmed that the project reflects the robust economy of Abu Dhabi and the high transparency followed when implementing its projects, leading to boost investor’s confidence to carry out investment opportunities offered by the country.