At the Ras Laffan Power Co. facility, the 756-MW net combined-cycle plant and the integrated 40 million gallons per day desalination plant are working in tandem to provide abundant, reliable electricity and desalinated water to residents of the State of Qatar, the most prosperous nation in the Middle East.
The emirate of Qatar is a dynamic symbol of the modern Middle East. In Doha, Qatar’s capital, new skyscrapers and beautiful beaches are juxtaposed with traditional souqs (market places). Large oil and natural gas reserves have made Qatar the second-highest per-capita income country in the world.
With Qatar experiencing explosive growth in recent decades, its demand for both electricity and potable water has greatly increased. To deal with these twin needs, the Ras Laffan Power Co. (RLPC) launched the integrated 756-MW net gas-fired power and desalination plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is located on the coast approximately 50 miles northeast of Doha. The desalination plant produces 40 million gallons per day (mgd) of desalinated water.
RLPC was formed to build the very first independent water and power plant in Qatar, following a 2001 emiri decree. It is a joint venture between AES Corp., Qatar Electricity & Water Co., Qatar Petroleum, and Gulf Investment Corp. The facility started full operation in May 2004 and is operating under a 25-year power and water purchase agreement with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp. (KAHRAMAA), the sole off-taker and the only entity in Qatar responsible for power and water transmission and distribution. The facility is being operated by AES Ras Laffan Operating Co.
Qatar’s Electric Power Industry
Qatar, a relatively small country in terms of geographical size, has a population of 1,696,563 (as of Qatar’s July 2010 census). The country’s economy is primarily dependent upon oil and natural gas production and refining.
Qatar is utilizing its estimated 8.96 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves to build industrial, chemical, and power plants. The country aims to raise its electric generating capacity to 9,000 MW by 2012 from 4,200 MW as of last May, according to state-controlled Qatar National Bank.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have established the GCC Interconnection Authority to develop the GCC power grid. This power grid will reduce high long-term investment costs for constructing electrical generation plants by reducing the level of reserves needed in each country. It also will provide wheeling services and enable energy trading. Qatar will be able to export 500 MW of electricity to neighboring states during peak-demand summer months by 2012 over a regional electric grid.
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