Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Hosts Conference for Hassyan-1 Independent Power Project

In line with the strategy of the Government of Dubai aiming to support sustainable economic development, establishing unique relationships and partnerships with private sector, as well as building up a competitive base, The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted today at Grand Hyatt Hotel eighteen of the world’s leading global power developers to Dubai for the pre-bid conference for the Hassyan 1 Independent Power Project. Interest in the project remains strong with attendees coming from Japan. Korea, South East Asia, India, Europe, the USA and the GCC. This conference was attended by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, Abdullah Obeidullah, EVP – Water & Civil Engineering, Waleed Salman, EVP – Strategy & Business Development Division, as well as a big number of DEWA’s employees. H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO of DEWA stated: “DEWA’s achievements come in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen and consolidate Dubai’s leading position as a world economic and financial centre. Efficient, modern and reliable infrastructure has always been one of Dubai's key strengths and attractions and is a pre-requisite for sustainable economic growth. As Dubai looks to the future, the Emirate’s development is guided by the ‘Dubai Strategy 2015’, a key theme of which is to build Dubai’s future through prosperous and harmonious partnerships between the public and private sectors. “The existing installed production capacity is 8519 Megawatt and 400 million gallons of desalinated water per day. To enhance this capacity, DEWA has Earlier this year formed the an independent regulatory authority, the issuing of Law No 6 (2011) and the amendment to the DEWA decree in order to facilitate and encourage public-private partnerships in the power and water sectors. The Independent Power Programme is an integral part of DEWA's strategic direction moving forward. We look forward to building a unique and strong relationship with the private sector and adopting the best practices available internationally,” H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer further added. The Hassyan 1 Project is the first project under the Independent Power Programme launched by DEWA on 22 May 2011. Bidders are being invited to design, finance, construct and operate a new 1500 MW gas fired power plant which will commission in phases through November 2014 to 2016 and will guarantee the future security of power supplies for the Emirate of Dubai. Tenders are due on 18th October 2011 with selection of the preferred bidder expected before the year end. The programme furthers DEWA strategic vision to be A world class regional utility through carefully selected strategic, commercial, technical and financial partnerships with the private sector.DEWA will retain a 51% ownership in the Hassyan 1 Project Company.