Utilities
From The Report: Qatar 2015
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A rapidly expanding economy and growing population mean that demand for power and water from both industry and households in Qatar has never been greater. This trend is set to continue for some time to come, with an ambitious multibillion-dollar programme of infrastructure building in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, requiring more people, more electricity and more water. At the same time, new demands for cleaner, more efficient and sustainable systems are making an impact, with implications for design and cost. However, Qatar has some major advantages when it comes to overcoming these challenges. An abundant supply of natural gas connected to a modern processing system is one, while the country’s financial reserves are another. There is a continuing, planned commitment by the authorities and many international partners to make this dramatic expansion happen as seamlessly as possible.

This chapter contains interviews with Ahmed bin Amer bin Mohammed Al Humaidi, Minister of Environment; and Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President, KAHRAMAA (Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Qatar conserves resources in utilities sector
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A rapidly expanding economy and growing population mean that demand for power and water from both industry and households in Qatar has never been greater. This trend is set to continue for some time to come, with an ambitious multibillion-dollar programme of infrastructure building in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, requiring more people, more electricity and more water. Thus the pressure is on Qatar’s utilities sector to deliver by keeping pace and even getting ahead of the rapid…

Interview

Ahmed bin Amer Al Humaidi, Former Minister of Environment: Interview
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Interview:Ahmed bin Amer Al Humaidi Since the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP) in Doha, how do you gauge the ministry's success in reducing carbon emissions and gas flaring? AHMED BIN AMER AL HUMAIDI: Qatar organised the COP 18 as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2012 and took the opportunity to reaffirm our voluntary efforts in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. These are reflected in two tracks: the first includes the reduction of emissions from stationary…

Interview

Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President, KAHRAMAA (Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation): Interview
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Interview:Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari Given estimates of future electricity and water demand, what plans are there to develop and expand the water and power transmission systems? What opportunities does this present for investors? ESSA BIN HILAL AL KUWARI: Kahramaa has estimated demand for the next 10 years, and all required generation capacity expansion plans are executed at the appropriate time to meet peak demand, and fulfil energy requirements, reliability and security. Special arrangements…

Analysis

Qatar’s utilities projects depend on increased R&D
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While rapid progress is being made on a major campaign to expand the country’s power and water infrastructure, Doha is also at the centre of research and development (R&D) efforts in the utilities field. Programmes currently under way in the state are investigating ways to improve desalination techniques, reverse the salination of Qatar’s groundwater, and power future water plants with solar energy (see analysis). At the same time, “soft power” campaigns aim to raise public awareness…

Analysis

The sun will come out: Solar energy plays a key role in meeting development goals
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Qatar is globally known for its vast natural gas reserves and extensive oil reservoirs, with these powering the country’s economy, as well as its electricity and water sector. Yet now, the government and private companies are giving the time of day to a different – and abundant – energy source: sunshine. Indeed, with one of the world’s highest annual irradiation levels at 2190 KWh/sq metre and up to 3400 daylight hours, solar power is being seen as a potential long-term energy source…