Dubai's utility company will appoint a consultant to advise on the generation of power from coal. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) received nine bids from international groups hoping to be appointed to the role, which could lead to the construction of the emirate's first coal-fired plant.
The plan to generate electricity using coal is part of a wider effort to diversify the UAE's power supply and maintain its energy sources until planned nuclear power plants are activated.
"This study is a key step towards the implementation of the energy diversification strategy adopted by Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy, in which coal is set to become part of Dubai's energy portfolio," said Saeed Mohammed al Tayer, DEWA's chief executive.
"The strategy aims to diversify energy sources to ensure energy supply and meet the growing energy demands in the Emirate of Dubai."
The UAE aims to secure a supply of power until its nuclear plants come online, currently expected to be in 2017. The Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority also plans to build a 600-megawatt coal power plant.
Some analysts are sceptical, however, that coal power can become anything more than a stopgap measure for UAE energy policy.
"In the current energy mix in all the GCC countries, coal plays no role at the moment," said Christian von Tschirschky, the head of utilities at A T Kearney consultancy. "Everyone depends mainly on burning gas and oil. The future will be the expansion towards nuclear energy and solar.
"When you look towards the future, they have an energy gap between demand and supply, but the UAE's nuclear plants and good interconnection with its GCC neighbours will be able to close this. However, this coal plant can be one element [of that]."
ghunter@thenational.ae
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Scoreline:
Barcelona 2
Suarez 85', Messi 86'
Atletico Madrid 0
Red card: Diego Costa 28' (Atletico)
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Brahmastra%3A%20Part%20One%20-%20Shiva
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAyan%20Mukerji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERanbir%20Kapoor%2C%20Alia%20Bhatt%20and%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20Witcher%20-%20season%20three
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHenry%20Cavill%2C%20Freya%20Allan%2C%20Anya%20Chalotra%3Cstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5