A Defiant Stance: MENA’s Continued Investment in Oil & Gas

Amidst concerns of superfluity and suppressed prices, approximately USD 294 billion of oil, gas and petrochemical projects are said to be underway across the MENA region

The persistently low oil prices, not helped by the observed conflict in certain parts of the region, has weighed heavily on the economic prospect of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The International Monetary Fund forecasts the overall growth of the region for this year and the next to be in the area of a mere 3.2%.

Courtesy www.gineersnow.com

But, amidst the depressing economic projection, concerns of superfluity and stubbornly suppressed prices, approximately USD 294 billion of oil, gas and petrochemical projects are said to still be underway across the MENA region.

Spotlight: Select Regional Developments in the Oil & Gas Sector

Investment in oil & gas operations remains to be a crucial focus of oil producers in the MENA region to meet exponentially rising energy demands and to replace consumed or depleted natural resources.
As a case in point, let us take a close look at major oil & gas developments brewing in the region.

Driven by its objective to expand is gas capacity, the UAE is now looking to develop new sour gas reservoirs. This is said to include major projects in the Bab and Hail fields, as well as the expansion of the Shah gas field.

Courtesy www.gineersnow.com

Saudi Arabia is home to two of the region’s largest oil & gas projects underway: Sabic’s oil-to-chemicals project and Aramco’s integrated refinery and petrochemicals development, both in Yanbu. Additionally, Aramco is said to be planning to pour in USD 334 billion into its oil & gas activities by 2025. The world’s largest oil & gas company is reportedly keen at looking at expanding its gas capacity, which includes the development of non-associated gas fields in the Gulf and expanding shale gas production in the north.

Saudi Arabia is also reportedly planning to list Saudi Aramco in the stock market, with an IPO that values the company at a staggering USD 2 trillion.

For its part, Kuwait is expected to invest USD 115 billion on energy projects over the next several years to help enhance crude production capacity, keeping in mind its target of four million barrels a day by 2020.

A Time of Conviction with Caution

It is clear that oil producers and allied stakeholders in the MENA region remain undaunted by the bleak market outlook and the headwinds blowing against the global oil & gas sector. Looking at the slew of oil & gas projects in the pipeline, it is not difficult to see the region’s conviction to satisfy domestic and international energy demands, achieve energy production objectives, and maintain its role as the world’s premier energy resource provider.

Courtesy www.gineersnow.com

But in these economically trying times, it is essential for oil & gas companies in the MENA region to practice caution by controlling costs while capitalizing on expansion prospects and profitable opportunities. Oil & gas companies in the region, the likes of the UAE’s Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), should ensure the efficient utilization of their working capital while the industry is still on its way to recovery.

One area of operation where oil & gas companies can make significant adjustments to their capital expenditure is power generation.

While electricity remains one of the most important components of an oil & gas operation, regional oil producers do not have to confine themselves with devoting a significant portion of their scarce capital to a major expenditure, like a permanent power plant. Instead of building their own power generation facility, oil & gas companies can choose to hire temporary power plants.

Courtesy www.gineersnow.com

By turning to rental power, oil & gas companies can have a consistent, dependable and sufficient supply of electricity throughout the lifecycle of their operations without the need to strap a large portion of their funds to a permanent facility. Temporary power plants can adequately provide for the power needs of various processes of an oil and gas operation, from exploration and extraction, through to development and processing.

Aside from savings in capital expenditure, renting power will also have an impact on the allocation of funds for an oil & gas project. Regional oil majors, such as the Iraq’s North Oil Company and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, will welcome the fact that payment schedules for the rented power are fixed and regular over a contracted term. This will help them in formulating accurate financial forecasts.

Moreover, a complete rental power service includes all ancillary and spare parts, as well as expert on-site engineers and technicians. This means that oil & gas companies will be shielded from additional costs that come with building a permanent power plant, and that they no longer have to hire, train or re-allocate staff members to manage the power plant.

For more information on rental power for oil & gas operations, visit: http://www.altaaqaglobal.com/industries/oil-gas

Bucking the Trend

In defiance of growth forecasts and of the impacts of global oversupply that prompted a sharp fall in oil prices since 2014, oil producers in the MENA region have been continuously investing in the oil, gas and petrochemical sector. While global oil & gas spend is expected to continue to decline, oil producers in the MENA region are looking to buck the trend and to continue pouring funds into the industry to maintain capacity and fulfill ambitious production targets. But while the oil & gas sector is still regaining its old glory, regional industry stakeholders are expected to restrain their aggression with a bit of caution.

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rbagatsing@altaaqaglobal.com


Sources consulted:

http://timesofoman.com/article/103194/Business/Energy/Middle-East-to-invest-$294b-in-oil-and-gas-projects

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2016/10/19/middle-east-economic-prospects/#8be515c1d7bb

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/101515/biggest-oil-producers-middle-east.asp

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Middle-East-Oil-Gas-Investment-Surges-To-294-Billion.html

http://altaaqaglobal.blogspot.ae/2017/01/the-latest-mining-industry-trends.html

The Electricity Rat Race (Part 2): Reliable and Cost-Effective Supplemental Power Solutions for the Middle East Electricity Sector

Electricity consumption in the Middle East has been exponentially increasing in recent years, and if this current rate persists, the region will require several hundred billion US Dollars by 2020 to construct the necessary power infrastructure to keep pace with its future demand.

However, the current economic situation in the Middle East is limiting the governments’ capacity to single-handedly pour in the necessary investment towards the power sector. Thus, several countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have endeavored to unbundle their power sectors into separate segments (generation, transmission, and distribution) in an attempt to streamline operations and encourage capital investment from the private sector.

A reliable power support is key

Many of the region’s governments and private sector investors have embarked on developing new cost-effective, reliable and sustainable sources of energy that have the potential to dramatically boost the region’s power generating capacity. For example, solar energy projects are rapidly progressing in the Middle East, most notably in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In fact, industry insiders report that solar power generation receives up to 90% of all government and private sector funding on renewable energy. It is therefore not surprising that solar power is now approaching grid parity and is experiencing phenomenal growth in the Middle East.

An example of renewable energy initiatives in the region is Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) concentrated solar power projects in the UAE, which are touted to generate 1,000 MW by 2030. Most celebrated of these projects is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park, which is expected to provide a dedicated supply of 100 MW of electricity to the World Expo 2020.

In Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) has committed to construct up to 41 GW of solar power plants, and invest in an additional 21 GW of wind and geothermal power in the next two decades.

While in Kuwait, the country is looking to partner with international companies to add a power generating capacity of 2,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030.

But, in a region that is experiencing an unprecedented growth in population and in economic and industrial activities, a single source of alternative electricity may not be enough to secure its future power needs. Renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind, may hold a tremendous potential to provide the region with a reliable supplemental power, but as they are improved and optimized through the years with continuous technological research and development, these alternative power technologies may need the support of other sources of electricity.

In this time of economic challenges amidst a heightened urgency to supply additional power, the governments and the renewable energy investors will real benefits in turning to temporary power technologies. Rental power plants are able to supplement the existing power generated by traditional power plants and renewable sources of energy. They can act as an energy “safety net”, in that they are able to boost or take over the power load from renewable energy sources in times of intermittency, or from conventional power plants in times of power shortage. Rental power generation systems are equipped with state-of-the-art fast-start systems that allow them to supply the needed power at the shortest possible time, in cases of instability or insufficiency of other sources of electricity.

Temporary power plants represent a cost-effective solution to power supply challenges. Countries in the Middle East or private sector funders looking to manage their expenditure within the power sector will be happy to know that renting power do not require a huge initial investment. It can also protect the governments and private investors from unexpected associated expenditure, as temporary power plants come as a complete solution, with ancillaries, operation, and maintenance integrated with the service. This way, the governments and private investors are able to better manage their financial resources.

Along this line, the power sector stakeholders will also welcome the fact that temporary power plants can be easily mobilized, installed and operated anywhere in the world, because they are modular and can be simply connected to the grid, even without a substation. At the end of the contract, they can also be easily demobilized, leaving no permanent facility not utilized or that will require constant maintenance and service.

With rental power plants on board, the limitations of traditional power plants and renewable energy sources can be overcome, and the additional electricity can be reliably supplied as long as it is needed. In this context, temporary power plants find their maximum benefit in being used as supplementary or back-up power while permanent other energy facilities are being constructed or refurbished, and while alternative energy sources are being improved and optimized through the years.

Looking to the future

Industry experts believe that independent power producers (IPP) and private sector investors have been instrumental in keeping the region’s power supply sufficient for its residents, businesses and industries in recent years. At present, IPPs and the private sector are responsible for a significant amount of new capacity, and independent power plants continue to supplement or, to an extent, take the load of old and outdated government power plants not only in the GCC but also in other countries in the Middle East. They, therefore, are expected to continue to play a vital role in the power generation initiatives of governments in the region.


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PRESS INQUIRIES
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Tel: +971 56 1749505
rbagatsing@altaaqaglobal.com

Sources consulted:

“GCC Power Market Report 2017”. Ventures Onsite for Middle East Electricity.

The Electricity Rat Race (Part 1): Strategies of the Middle East Power Sector to Keep Pace with the Energy Demand

The Middle East power sector has been striving to satisfactorily match the region’s power demand. And while the requirement is exponentially growing, investment in the sector is observed to remain incremental. Altaaqa Global, a leading global provider of multi-megawatt temporary power solutions, shares its thoughts on the current regional power market and sheds light on some of the region’s strategy to stay in, or even win, the so-called “race”. 


The demand for electricity in the Middle East has been steadily increasing in the past several years. It can be ascribed to several general factors, including constant population growth with the arrival of tourists and new residents, rapid urbanization, a remarkable spike in consumption during peak summer months, low electricity prices and gradual improvements in income levels among households and businesses. As the demand is expected to continue rising in the coming years, the need to expand the region’s current generating capacity is growing ever more urgent.

In order to satisfy the projected power demand from now till 2020, the GCC alone, which represents 47% of 148 GW of the current power generating capacity of the region, needs to ramp up its power capacity by an average of 8% year on year. This will entail an investment of USD 85 billion to add 69 GW of generating capacity, on top of USD 52 billion to construct transmission and distribution facilities.

A close look at the region’s power demand

To better understand the state of the region’s power market and the scale of expansion that needs to be done in the near future, let us throw the spotlight on the current power situations of the major countries that comprise it.

The power consumption the United Arab Emirates has more than doubled in the past 10 years. According to estimates, the UAE’s gross domestic electricity consumption will reach 141 TWh in 2020, up from 103 TWh in 2014. The considerable growth in power consumption in recent years can be largely attributed to the country’s preparations for the World Expo in 2020, during which about 25 million tourists are expected to visit the UAE.

With its current electricity demand, Saudi Arabia needs to invest at least USD 140 billion by 2020 to uplift its generating capacity from 51.5 GW to 71 GW. The persistent rise in power demand in the country is attributed, to a large extent, to its continuous investment in several sectors, including public infrastructure, utilities, healthcare and education, to name a few. Thus, the sustained construction and industrial activity, coupled with an increasing electricity demand from its residents and businesses, cause the country’s power requirements to grow.

Qatar is experiencing a period of heightened construction activity, as the country gears up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. The related infrastructure development (building of eight new stadiums, renovation of three existing stadiums, and the establishment of Lusail City), expanding transportation network (building of Doha Metro Rail and expressways), surging public and private investments, and booming hospitality sector are driving the growth of the electricity requirement in the country.

According to a recent report released by the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), Oman’s peak average annual growth in power demand for the next seven years will be approximately 8%, rising from 5,565 MW in 2015 to 9,529 MW in 2022. OPWP ascribed the increase in demand for power to continuous residential growth, overall economic expansion, and the rapid development in industrial estates or free zones and tourism projects.

Kuwait’s peak electricity requirement is set to almost double by 2020. From the current demand of around 15,000 MW, Kuwait’s Electricity Ministry estimates that in 2020, the country’s electricity requirement will jump to 17,000 MW. The Ministry attributes this notable growth trend to the country’s harsh weather conditions, particularly during the summer months, and the highly subsidized energy tariffs. With one of the highest rates of energy consumption per capita in the world, meeting electricity demand has become a growing concern for Kuwait.

Amidst population growth and industrial expansion, Bahrain’s electricity demand is continuously increasing. Bahrain’s available generation capacity at the moment is 3,922 MW during peak summer months, with around 600 MW of spare emergency import capacity through GCC’s interconnected grid. For the country to satisfy the projected rise in power demand, its power generation capacity needs to be expanded by an average of 6%.

It is worth noting that electricity demand is also projected in increase in other countries in the region, like Yemen, Iraq and Syria, as they embark on infrastructure rebuilding and rehabilitation, and re-establishment of a reliable power connection. As the governance and the economic climate in these countries become more stable in the coming years, their power consumption is expected to exponentially rise.

The outlook of the region’s power market

Amidst the current economic challenges experienced not only in the GCC but also in the entire region, the governments are looking towards the development of new cost-effective and efficient sources of electricity, and sustainable opportunities and approaches to reduce overall energy consumption.

For instance, countries in the GCC have set an objective that a minimum of 10% of their overall power production by 2020 should come from renewable sources of energy. A vital component of the region’s overall renewable energy mix is solar, with sunshine available across the region for the most part of a year. Industry experts estimate that 85 to 90% of the region’s investment on renewable energy is poured into the development of solar power facilities, with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait leading the way.

Alongside the intensive drive to harness renewable energy sources is the push to develop “Smart Cities” – urban projects that capitalize on digital technology and information and communication technologies to improve the quality of life of the citizens and better manage public services, such as power, water, transportation, healthcare and waste management.

In essence, in the face of decreasing revenues from oil, governments are realizing the benefits of partnering with the private sector and independent power producers (IPP) to boost the region’s available electricity capacity. Industry experts estimate that IPPs can contribute as much as 20 GW to the region’s power supply. At present, countries in the region are rolling out various initiatives within the power sector, which aim to allow competition at the power generation level, establish separation in the market to introduce more competition, and liberalize domestic energy prices over the medium-term.

In Part 2 of this feature, we will zero in on the available power generation technologies that respond to the current requirements of the governments in the Middle East. We’ll take a close look at how these innovations can satisfy the region’s demand for reliable power, support its current drive to harness renewable energy and contribute towards the minimization of initial costs and related expenses.


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PRESS INQUIRIES
Altaaqa Global
Tel: +971 56 1749505
rbagatsing@altaaqaglobal.com


Sources consulted:

“GCC Power Market Report 2017”. Ventures Onsite for Middle East Electricity.

“Saudi Arabia’s Unstoppable Utilities Market”. www.utilities-me.com.

“Oman forecasts annual power demand growth at 8% until 2022”. www.timesofoman.com.

“Bahrain’s Power Sector Embarks on a New Era of Development”. www.startupmgzn.com

Altaaqa Global Achieves ISO Recognition for Energy Performance

The company is the first and thus far the only temporary power provider to have its projects certified in accordance with ISO 50001:2011 standards 

After months of rigorous process alignment and extensive audit, Altaaqa Global Caterpillar Rental Power, a leading global provider of multi-megawatt temporary power solutions, has achieved ISO 50001:2011 certification from TÜV NORD, the ISO-accredited certification body headquartered in Hanover, Germany.

ISO 50001:2011 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an energy management system, whose purpose is to enable an organization to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement in energy performance within its operations and projects.

“ISO 50001:2011 is applicable to any organization wishing to ensure that its products and services conform to its avowed energy policy”, said Shibu Davies, General Manager for Certification, HSD & Lab at TÜV NORD. “This certification awarded to Altaaqa Global, the only rental power company in the world to have achieved the feat to date, is a testimony to the company’s steadfast dedication to delivering multi-megawatt power generation projects that efficiently use energy, conserve natural resources and help in combatting climate change.”

Meghana Millin, Quality and HSE Officer of Altaaqa Global, described how the company ensures that its energy policy is implemented and adhered to across its processes. “We train our sights on providing the most energy efficient and environmentally responsible power solutions to our clients. Thus, we remain committed to our energy policy from the selection of the power equipment, to the designing of the power plants, to transport, through project installation, commissioning and maintenance. Furthermore, we regularly upgrade our current installations to further improve on their energy performance.”

Majid Zahid, Altaaqa Global’s Chief Commercial Officer, shed light on how the company guarantees customer satisfaction in all its multi-megawatt rental power projects: “We ensure that our power plants maintain the highest level of efficiency by having their performance monitored and evaluated by reputable global certification bodies. This way, we assure our clients that our power projects do not only supply uninterrupted reliable electricity, but also offer cost savings and minimal operational expenditure.”

For his part, Peter den Boogert, CEO of Altaaqa Global, called upon the rental power industry to take up the cause of energy responsibility. “Being in the business of providing electricity, the onus is upon us, temporary power providers, to conscientiously mitigate the environmental effects of our operations. That is why we at Altaaqa Global are continuously developing and optimizing our power generation solutions, so they ultimately promote real economic, social and environmental benefits. We are proud to have blazed a trail in energy performance and fuel efficiency in the IPP industry.”

In 2014, Altaaqa Global has also achieved ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) certifications, making it part of an elite list of global companies to have ever completed a triple audit and received all certifications in its first year of evaluation.

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About Altaaqa Global
Altaaqa Global, a subsidiary of Zahid Group, has been selected by Caterpillar Inc. to deliver multi-megawatt turnkey temporary power solutions worldwide. The company owns, mobilizes, installs, and operates efficient temporary independent power plants (IPP’s) at customer sites, focusing on the emerging markets of Sub-Sahara Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, South East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Offering power rental equipment that will operate with different types of fuel such as diesel, natural gas, or dual-fuel, Altaaqa Global is positioned to rapidly deploy and provide temporary power plant solutions, delivering electricity whenever and wherever it may be needed.

http://www.altaaqaglobal.com

About Zahid Group
Zahid Group represents a diverse range of companies, offering comprehensive, customer-centric solutions in a number of thriving industries. Some of those include construction; mining; oil & gas; agriculture; power, electricity & water generation; material handling; building materials; transportation & logistics; real estate development; travel & tourism; waste management & recycling; and hospitality.

http://www.zahid.com

About TÜV NORD
TÜV NORD International GmbH & Co. KG has established business relationships in more than 70 countries of Europe, America, Asia and Africa and is now represented in all major world markets. The TÜV NORD Group has combined its acknowledged competence, versatile innovative talent and also many companies who are leaders in their market segments under the umbrella of TÜV NORD International. Now, know-how developed over many years and a dedicated, 8,400-strong workforce worldwide ensure that “TÜV NORD” is accepted as a global name for safety, quality, competence and trust.

https://www.tuv-nord.com/en/tuv-nord-worldwide/

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Altaaqa Global is Hiring!

Altaaqa Global, a leading global provider of temporary power solutions, is currently hiring for the following positions: 

Business Development Director – Sub-Saharan Africa
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer

The Business Development Director is responsible for growing the companies revenue and profits in Africa through Interim IPP (International Power Projects) opportunities at margins and returns agreed within our strategy and group procedures & policies. He/she should ideally have a track record of successfully identifying, negotiating and executing complex deals, preferably in Africa. Experience and knowledge in conducting business in African countries, and knowledge of power generation is desirable.

Interested parties may submit their CVs to career@altaaqaglobal.com.

Please include the code SSBD in the subject of your e-mail.



Sales Engineer for Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reporting to Regional Business Development Director

The Sales Engineer for MENA is responsible for directly selling the company´s products or services to customers. He/she should develop new accounts and/or expand existing ones within an established geographic territory, industry, product segment or international project. He/she should work on complex issues where analysis of situations, market intelligence or data require an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. He/she should be responsible for timely follow up of all request for quotations either by tenders or by customers’ request. 

Interested parties may submit their CVs to career@altaaqaglobal.com.

Please include the code SMSA in the subject of your e-mail.

Sales Manager for Southern Africa

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa

Reporting to the Business Development Director for Sub-Saharan Africa

The Sales Manager for Southern Africa is responsible for directly selling the company´s products or services to customers. He/she should develop new accounts and/or expand existing ones within an established geographic territory, industry, product segment or international project. He/she should work on complex issues where analysis of situations, market intelligence or data require an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. He/she should be responsible for timely follow up of all request for quotations either by tenders or by customers’ request. 

Interested parties may submit their CVs to career@altaaqaglobal.com.

Please include the code SMWA in the subject of your e-mail.

Sales Manager for West Africa

Based in Accra, Ghana

Reporting to the Business Development Director for Sub-Saharan Africa

The Sales Manager for West Africa is responsible for directly selling the company´s products or services to customers. He/she should develop new accounts and/or expand existing ones within an established geographic territory, industry, product segment or international project. He/she should work on complex issues where analysis of situations, market intelligence or data require an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. He/she should be responsible for timely follow up of all request for quotations either by tenders or by customers’ request. 

Interested parties may submit their CVs to career@altaaqaglobal.com.

Please include the code SMMENA in the subject of your e-mail.

Best of luck!

Encouraging Outlook for the Middle East Rental Power Market

The rental power market in the Middle East has remained buoyant, and is predicted to go on expanding in years to come. Buoyed by the development of new rental power technologies, interim power stations will continue to find application in a variety of sectors, including utility markets, extractive industries like mining and oil & gas, large process industries and major infrastructure construction projects.

Among the rental power technologies available, diesel generators will continue to dominate the market, largely due to the wide availability of fuel, fuel safety & economy and ease of installment. However, it is helpful to note that generators running on other fuels, such as natural gas and dual-fuel (a combination of diesel and gas), are progressively gaining ground. The market expansion of such technologies is spurred by the increasing availability of inexpensive locally extracted natural gas and the strict emission regulations in many countries around the world.

There have been observed limitations on the growth of the natural gas generator market, including fuel availability, and the prohibitive cost of installing safe and reliable fuel delivery infrastructure. Today, these are gradually being mitigated by the availability of cost-effective natural gas resources, and the application of natural gas technologies in bigger and longer-duration projects. In addition, dual-fuel generators simplifies the transition from diesel-run to gas-run generators.

There is also a growing trend towards the use of renewables in the region, particularly solar. As technology here develops, it is inevitable that they will play an increasingly important role in the future energy mix, and in the development of hybrid solutions with diesel or natural gas generators.

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Rental Power Plants: Providing Reliable Electricity to the Mining Industry

A persistent shortage and instability in the supply of power around the world, in some instances for reasons beyond any party’s control, has pushed many countries and mining operators to agree to reduce power supply to mining sites. The electricity supply insufficiency and the consequent load shedding, on top of increasing overhead costs and continuously weakening commodity prices, have driven mining companies in different regions to scale down or suspend operations altogether.

“Some parts of mining operations will be halted or scaled back to cope with the regular power cuts,” say an industry player. “Electricity,” he adds, “is not only utilized in the actual mining and processing, but also in maintenance. So, we are particularly preoccupied about our old underground mines, because there power is an exceedingly high overhead cost.” He believes that with the way things are going at the present, the immediate solution to save the business is to lay off workers, by the thousands.

Some entities have tried surmounting the challenge by importing power from their neighboring countries. But while it is not a guarantee of a continuous power supply, introducing power from other countries have led to an increased cost of running mining operations, owing to higher electricity prices.

Some operators have installed local power generation systems to support the supply of electricity to the mining sites, but their power production is not always enough to run the energy-intensive processes of a large-scale mining operations, including exploration, production, and climate control.

In times of persistent power shortage, mining companies will find hiring the services of temporary power providers beneficial to their operations. It is undeniable that electricity plays an essential role in mining operations, and renting large-scale power plants can guarantee a constant supply of reliable power to mining sites, without the need to spend scarce CAPEX in building permanent power facilities. In these difficult times for the industry, mining companies will appreciate the fact that they can pay for the electricity produced by hired power plants from their operating revenues. Mining companies can also choose to add power modules to the rental power plants as their operations expand and their requirement for electricity increase.

Rental power plants are not only reliable, they are also environmentally friendly. Modern rental generators boast of cleaner operations, being able to run on a variety of fuels, including natural gas or a combination of gas and diesel. Studies conducted in different rental power plants sites around the world show that temporary power stations, like those running on natural gas, can surpass the worldwide NOx emission requirements, emitting only 250 mg/Nm3 even without after treatment.

The present times have not been favorable to the mining industry. Mining companies, established and start-ups alike, are struggling to maintain a profitable production, and this has resulted in job loss and limited expenditure. A reliable and consistent supply of electricity is one key solution to the survival and development of mining operations against the backdrop of these trying times, and rental power plants represent a technology that can guarantee just that.

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Sharing the Power Pie

Many residents and businesses that packed their bags and left the Middle East at the height of the crisis are now zipping their luggage for a completely polar reason.

As the Middle East rises from the ashes of the recent financial downturn, a great number of companies and ex-residents that fled the region are now clawing to take the next flight in. The Middle Eastern governments, particularly in the GCC countries, have remained tenacious in the face of the downturn and strategically, albeit riskily, continued to disburse notable amounts to fund infrastructure, commercial and residential projects, which were then in danger of being either stalled or cancelled. Now, in light of the nascent regional upturn, these projects (in addition to new ones) are gaining traction, and the companies that used to shy away from them from fear of an unprecedented collapse are now optimistically tendering to win the rights to capitalize on the burgeoning GCC construction industry.

However, the companies and the residents in the GCC will not only have the economic and financial rewards to share among themselves – each of them will also have to take a piece of the region’s energy supply, which may not be as rapidly expanding as the economy or as actively evolving as the industrial processes. A perennial issue in the developing economies, like the Middle East, is the observed discrepancy between the rate of economic and industrial expansion and of investments in power-related infrastructure. Economic activities in emerging markets are increasing at a remarkably fast pace while projects related to power generation or distribution are, most of the time, suffering notable delays.

That the demand for energy outstrips the supply may bring about serious repercussion in the foreseeable future. Most of the countries in the Middle East depend on natural gas – a finite resource – for electricity, and though the present demand may not result in its complete depletion, an occasional spike in energy requirements, like during the summer months or seasons of intense oil & gas or commercial production, may result in supply hiccups which are not to be underestimated.

When the demand overwhelms the supply channels, power outages may occur. Saudi Arabia has reportedly experienced several occurrences of massive power interruptions in recent years, said to be due to the demanding energy requirement during the hottest and peak production months. The emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has also felt the economic effects of a sustained power interruption, with local industrial companies reporting cumulative losses between AED 70 million and AED 100 million.

To prevent the recurrence of power interruptions, governments in the Middle East are exploring the possibility of tapping other sources of energy to boost their respective countries’ electricity supply. Some countries in the GCC are keenly looking at harnessing the power of the sun to complement their traditional energy sources. Saudi Arabia has announced that it is looking to install 41 GW of solar power by 2032, predicted to yield enough energy to support 20% of its total electricity production. Kuwait is already mapping out plans to at least produce 5% of its electricity from solar means, while the UAE, Jordan and Qatar have also unveiled solar generation targets on the gigawatt scale.

Over the next few years, these objectives will translate into large-scale power-related infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the overall electricity generation capabilities of the aforementioned Middle Eastern countries. There is however, an unaccounted arc that calls for a more heightened attention: What happens, then, between now and the time when these projects are finally fully operational? Will power interruptions continue to persist? Will load shedding be a regular solution so that power plants avert the possibility of a total shutdown? Will companies, factories, oil & gas facilities and mining sites in the Middle East continue to suffer financial loses when the power supply cannot support their operational demands?

A power boost
Interim power generation plants could represent an immediate, viable, sustainable and cost-efficient solution to energy-related problems while the permanent electricity infrastructure is still being planned, evaluated or constructed. Rental power technologies, as the ones provided by Altaaqa Global CAT Rental Power, can provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional sources of power when situations call for a boost in power supply, like during the summer months or during the completion of large-scale activities. Gas, diesel or dual-fuel (70% gas and 30% diesel) generators are specifically developed to reduce fuel costs and encourage cost-savings on the part of the end-users.

Interim power station technologies also provide the most flexible power solution to support base load, intermediate, peaking or standby power generation. These solutions are adaptable enough to meet the exact requirements of different industries in the Middle East, such as utility, industrial manufacturing, oil & gas, mining, petrochemical, maritime and aviation to name a few.

Substation-free power plants have also been developed to cater to areas where there may not exist substations. These types of mobile power systems can directly hook up to the grid, thanks to a state-of-the-art packaged protection system.

Making supply meet demand
Rising from the ruins of the recent economic slump, the Middle East is now enjoying a market resurgence. The region has once again caught the attention of foreign and local investors alike, and is currently witnessing rapid growth in infrastructure-, utility- and construction-related activities. The current regional trend, however, is taking its toll on the region’s energy supply, thus the heightened urgency to find alternative sources of electrical power, both for short- and medium-term utilization. Renewable sources are gaining traction and gradual acceptance and application, but for immediate electricity requirements in any occasion, be it natural calamities, power plant shutdowns, grid instability, supply shortages or back-up, rental power systems still represent the foremost choice.

*The foregoing article is based on what was originally published in the October issue of Utilities Middle East magazine, published by ITP.*

End

PRESS INQUIRIES
Robert Bagatsing
Altaaqa Global
Tel: +971 56 1749505
rbagatsing@altaaqaglobal.com

Altaaqa Global Wins Power Project of the Year at Middle East Electricity Awards

AltaaqaGlobal, a global temporary power and energy solution specialist, recently won ‘Power Project of the Year’ for its Yemen power project and was highly commended for its role in innovation.

 

Front row Peter den Boogert, GM Altaaqa Global &  Khalil Abdul Malik, GM PEC & the winners of Middle East Electricity Awards

 

Dubai, UAE: Altaaqa Global CAT Rental Power has recently received the award for ‘Power Project of the Year’ for its power plant project in Aden, Yemen. Altaaqa Global was highly commended for its contribution to product innovation, social responsibility and impressive delivery during the Middle East Electricity Awards 2014, held at the Dubai International Convention Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

 

According to the judges, “Altaaqa Global played a critical role in the electric power industry. This award category is given to a company that offers the best planning, delivery and execution of any power plant in the Middle East region. Altaaqa Global won in this category for its excellent design, innovative power solutions, fuel savings, record-breaking project installation and an exceptional commitment to provide support to its client.”

 

The 54 MW temporary power plant was built in just 23 days from signing the contract and has the capacity to supply up to 150,000 homes with electricity, benefitting more than half a million people in the city of Aden.

 

Khalil Abdul Malik, General Manager of Yemen’s Public Electricity Corporation, commented, “Altaaqa Global is not only our supplier, but a real and genuine partner that helped us to solve the most difficult energy challenges in our country. Their strategic approach to solving complex electrical challenges combined with stellar innovation, unequalled customer support, the best of breed fuel-efficient power solutions and an impressive on-time delivery is a real testament to their achievement. They have gone the extra mile and made an indelible mark in Yemen as one of the most reliable temporary power companies.” 

 

“We are humbled when our peers in the engineering and construction industry recognise our hard work in providing temporary power solutions to areas where electricity is scarce or not available,” said Peter den Boogert, General Manager of Altaaqa Global. “We are also proud of our record as the fastest energy rental company that can deliver power rental solutions at a moment’s notice, even during emergencies. Altaaqa Global has been recognised with this momentous award and I attribute our success to the team spirit and combined diligent efforts of our great people.”

 

Steven Meyrick, Board Representative of Altaaqa Global, added, “We are always committed to deliver exceptional temporary power and energy solutions anywhere in the world. Every employee knows that hundreds of millions of people rely on us every day and that is what our job is all about – providing a service to the people. Our organisation goes beyond the paradigm of rental power: we not only provide boxes of generators, but we provide progress too. We bring hope and stability to communities, companies and entire nations through our energy solutions. No matter how complex our clients’ problems may be, we always have the right solutions and are always ready to serve.”

 

Majid Zahid, Director for Strategic Accounts at Altaaqa Global, said, “This achievement demonstrates our capability to deliver effective and efficient energy solutions. Our strategic partners in Caterpillar, together with our engineering team, always provide the most modern equipment and innovative solutions that no other rental power company can match. Our work in Oman, where we installed 24 MW in just 96 hours, and our Yemen power plant, which took only 23 days to build, are energy industry record breakers.”

 

 

-- END --

 

About Altaaqa Global

Altaaqa Global, a subsidiary of Zahid Group, has been selected by Caterpillar Inc. to deliver multi-megawatt turnkey temporary power solutions worldwide. The company owns, mobilizes, installs, and operates efficient temporary independent power plants (IPP’s) at customer sites, focusing on the emerging markets of Sub-Sahara Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, South East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Offering power rental equipment that will operate with different types of fuel such as diesel, natural gas, or dual-fuel, Altaaqa Global is positioned to rapidly deploy and provide temporary power plant solutions, delivering electricity whenever and wherever it may be needed.

 

www.altaaqaglobal.com/press-media/press-releases

 

About Zahid Group

Zahid Group represents a diverse range of companies, offering comprehensive, customer-centric solutions in a number of thriving industries. Some of those include construction; mining; oil & gas; agriculture; power, electricity & water generation; material handling; building materials; transportation & logistics; real estate development; travel & tourism; waste management & recycling; and hospitality.

 

About Middle East Electricity Awards

The Middle East Electricity Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, departments, teams or an organisation that have contributed to the growth and development of the energy industry with a focus on the power, lighting, new & renewable, nuclear and water sectors.

 

 

 

PRESS INQUIRIES

Robert Bagatsing

Altaaqa Global

Tel: +971 56 1749505

rbagatsing@altaaqaglobal.com

http://www.altaaqaglobal.com

 

READER REQUESTS

Altaaqa Global

Marketing Department

P.O. Box 262989

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 

شركة الطاقة جلوبال تفوز بجائزة "أفضل مشروع للطاقة في العام" في مسابقة جوائز الشرق الأوسط للكهرباء

فازت الشركة المتخصصة في مجال الطاقة المؤقتة وحلول الطاقة، الطاقة جلوبال، مؤخرًا بجائزة "أفضل مشروع للطاقة في العام" عن مشروع للطاقة نُفذ في اليمن، وقد حظت الشركة بإشادة كبيرة على دورها في مجال الإبداع.



Peter den Boogert accepts the award trophy

 

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة - فازت شركة CAT Rental Power التابعة لشركة الطاقة جلوبال بجائزة "أفضل مشروع للطاقة في العام" عن مشروع محطة الطاقة الذي قامت الشركة بتنفيذه في عدن، اليمن. وقد حظت الشركة بإشادة كبيرة على مساهماتها في مجال إبداع المنتجات والمسئولية الاجتماعية والتسليم الفعال أثناء مؤتمر جوائز الطاقة في الشرق الأوسط لعام 2014، والذي عقد في مركز دبي الدولي للمؤتمرات، بالإمارات العربية المتحدة.

 

ووفقًا للجنة التحكيم، "لعبت شركة الطاقة جلوبال دورًا هامًا في صناعة الطاقة الكهربية. ويتم منح هذه الفئة من الجوائز للشركة التي توفر أفضل مستويات التخطيط والتنفيذ والتسليم لأي محطة طاقة تتم إقامتها في منطقة الشرق الأوسط. لقد فازت شركة الطاقة جلوبال بهذه الجائزة بسبب تميزها في التصميم وحلول الطاقة الإبداعية وحلول توفير الوقود بالإضافة إلى الرقم القياسي الذي حققته الشركة في تنفيذ المشروع، بالإضافة إلى الالتزام الفريد بتوفير الدعم لعملاء الشركة."

 

 تم بناء محطة الطاقة المؤقتة بقدرة 54 ميجا وات في 23 يومًا فقط بعد توقيع العقد، وهي توفر إمدادات الطاقة لما يصل إلى 150 ألف منزل، حيث يستفيد منها أكثر من نصف مليون نسمة في مدينة عدن.

 

وقد علق خليل عبد الملك، المدير العام للمؤسسة العامة للكهرباء في اليمن، قائلاً "إن شركة الطاقة جلوبال ليست موردًا فقط بالنسبة لنا، ولكنها شريك حقيقي لنا ساعدنا على حل أضخم التحديات التي كانت تواجهنا في الدولة. وتعد منهجيتهم الاستراتيجية في التغلب على أكثر التحديات تعقيدًا في مجال الكهرباء بالإضافة إلى إبداعهم المتميز ودعم العملاء الفريد الذي يوفرونه ناهيكم عن حلول الطاقة الموفرة للوقود التي تعد الأفضل في فئتها والتسليم الفعال في الوقت المحدد دليلاً راسخًا على إنجازاتهم. وقد قاموا بإنجاز العمل على أكمل وجه، بل وتجاوزوا ما نطلبه منهم، وقاموا بتحقيق إنجاز لن ينساه الزمن في اليمن، حيث أصبحت واحدة من أكثر الشركات اعتمادية في مجال حلول الطاقة المؤقتة." 

 

يقول بيتر دين بوجيرت، المدير العام لشركة الطاقة جلوبال "إننا نشعر بالتواضع عندما يمتدح نظرائنا في مجال الهندسة ومجال الإنشاءات عملنا الجاد والشاق فيما يتعلق بتوفير حلول الطاقة المؤقتة في المناطق التي يندر تواجد الطاقة بها أو التي لا تتوفر بها الطاقة مطلقاً". "كما أننا نفخر كذلك باعتبارنا أسرع شركة تأجير لمعدات الطاقة يمكنها توفير حلول تأجير الطاقة بشكل فوري، بمجرد أن يطلب منّا ذلك، حتى أثناء حالات الطوارئ. وقد تم تقدير جهود شركة الطاقة جلوبال من خلال هذه الجائزة الهامة، وأنا أنسب الفضل في نجاحنا إلى روح الفريق والجهود الشاقة الموحدة المتسقة التي بذلها فريق العمل في الشركة."

 

وأضاف ستيفن ميريك المندوب عن مجلس إدارة شركة الطاقة جلوبال قائلاً "إننا ملتزمون دائماً بتوفير حلول الطاقة المؤقتة الفريدة في أي مكان في العالم. ويدرك كل موظف أن مئات الملايين من البشر يعتمدون علينا، وتلك هي ماهية عملنا، توفير الخدمة للبشر. إن منظمتنا تتجاوز نموذج تأجير الطاقة العادي، فنحن لا نوفر مجرد أجهزة توليد للطاقة، بل إننا نوفر التطور والأمل والاستدامة للمجتمعات والشركات وللدول كاملة من خلال حلول الطاقة التي نوفرها. وبغض النظر عن مدى تعقيد المشكلات التي يواجهها العميل، نملك دائماً الحلول المناسبة التي تساعده على التغلب على تلك المشكلات، كما أننا على استعداد دائمًا لتقديم يد العون."

 

يقول ماجد الزاهد، مدير الحسابات الاستراتيجية في شركة الطاقة جلوبال "يُظهر هذا الإنجاز قدرة الشركة على توفير حلول الطاقة الفعالة والمتميزة بالكفاءة. وغالبًا ما يوفر شركاؤنا الاستراتيجيون في شركة Caterpillar، بالإضافة إلى فريق المهندسين لدينا، أحدث المعدات والحلول الإبداعية التي لا تستطيع أن تضاهيها أي شركة أخرى تعمل في مجال تأجير الطاقة. وتعد المحطة التي قمنا بتركيبها في عمان، بقدرة 24 ميجا وات خلال 96 ساعة فقط، بالإضافة إلى محطة الطاقة التي قمنا بتركيبها في اليمن ولم يستغرق بناؤها إلا 23 يومًا، بمثابة أرقام قياسية جديدة في مجال الطاقة."

 

-- النهاية --

 

نبذة عن شركة الطاقة جلوبال

تعد شركة الطاقة جلوبال أحد فروع مجموعة زاهد، وقد اختارتها شركة Caterpillar Inc. لتقديم الحلول الشاملة للطاقة المؤقتة متعددة الميجاوات حول العالم. الشركة تمتلك وتجهز وتنشئ وتشغل محطات الطاقة المستقلة والمؤقتة والفعالة (IPP's) بمواقع العملاء وتركز على الأسواق النامية في مناطق شبه الصحراء الإفريقية، وآسيا الوسطى، وشبه القارة الهندية، وأمريكا اللاتينية وجنوب شرق آسيا، والشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا. بتوفير معدات الطاقة المؤقتة التي تعمل على أنواع من الوقود مثل الديزل والغاز الطبيعي والوقود المزدوج، تتميز شركة الطاقة جلوبال بقدرتها على الإمداد السريع وتوفير الحلول لمحطات الطاقة المؤقتة وتوفير الكهرباء في أي وقت وفي أي مكان حيث كان لازمًا.

http://www.altaaqaglobal.com/press-media/press-releases

 

نبذة عن مجموعة زاهد

تمثل مجموعة زاهد تشكيلة متنوعة من الشركات وتعرض خدمات متكاملة وحلولاً تلبي متطلبات العملاء في العديد من القطاعات المزدهرة. ومن بين هذه القطاعات التي تقدم لها المجموعة خدماتها، قطاع البناء والتعدين، والنفط والغاز والزراعة وتوليد الطاقة والكهرباء والمياه ومعالجة المواد، ومواد البناء والنقل والمواد اللوجستية والتطوير العقاري والسياحة والسفر وإدارة المخلفات وإعادة التدوير والفنادق.

 

نبذة عن جوائز الطاقة في الشرق الأوسط

تعد جوائز الطاقة في الشرق الأوسط بمثابة التقدير للإنجازات المتميزة للأفراد أو الإدارات أو فرق العمل أو المنظمات ممن ساهموا في تنمية وتطوير قطاع الطاقة مع التركيز على الطاقة والإضاءة والطاقة الجديدة والمتجددة وقطاعات الطاقة النووية والمياه.

 

 

استفسارات صحفية

روبرت باجاتسنج

شركة الطاقة جلوبال

هاتف: 1749505 56 971+

rbagatsing@altaaqaglobal.com

 

طلبات القراء

شركة الطاقة جلوبال

قسم التسويق

صندوق البريد رقم 262989

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة