French power group Areva has been awarded two turnkey grid reinforcement contracts in the United Arab Emirates, totaling E86 million.
Under the first contract awarded by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Areva will build two 132/11kV indoor gas-insulated substations, which are to be commissioned in April 2009.
The second contract is with Nakheel, the developer of the Palm Deira man-made island project in Dubai. The island is expected to attract 1.25 million inhabitants by 2015. The contract will form part of the first phase of Palm Deira’s power distribution network development plan. Areva will provide three 132/22kV gas-insulated substations to be installed at three different locations on the island.
Alhan Fares, Areva transmission and distribution’s (T&D’s) regional vice president for the Near and Middle East, said: The T&D market in the Middle East is one of the most dynamic worldwide along with Asia. With large-scale utility customers such as DEWA backing our offer, Areva has reinforced its resources in the region and is strongly positioned to grasp additional growth opportunities.