Ceremony held to celebrate milestone event, witness the major achievements and the remaining construction and operational readiness work Fourth reactor vessel and steam generators are the final to be installed, as per 2009 Prime Contract, positioning Barakah as a quality-driven site and one of the most efficient nuclear energy construction projects globally Abu Dhabi, UAE – 14 August 2017:  In line with the ‘Abu Dhabi Plan’, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has made significant progress on the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with the installation of the steam generators for Unit 4, the final unit at the plant. This milestone event coincides with the successful installation of Unit 4’s Reactor Vessel (RV).  H.E. Jassim Mohammed Buatabh Al Zaabi, Chairman of the ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 10 August, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution has announced today the new retail price of unsubsidised LPG cylinders for the month of August 2017. As per the announcement that is made on the 10th of every month, the new retail price is as follows: AED52 per 25lb, and AED104 per 50lb.   Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: “The price of LPG cylinders is decided every month in cooperation with the concerned government entities in the UAE. The prices set take into account the interests of national stakeholders, consumers and household customers while also reflecting fluctuations in international LPG prices.”  For holders of Rahal e-Gas cards, ADNOC Distribution offers LPG at subsidized prices - AED20 for 25lb and AED30 for 50lb, across Abu Dhabi and the ......read more

Empower will offer district cooling solutions to the commercial complex for a total capacity of 3,520 RT Dubai, UAE, 9 August 2017:  Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, announced that it has recently connected its services to The Opus, a prestigious development located in Business Bay. Empower will offer district cooling solutions to the commercial complex for a total capacity of 3,520 RT, which will result in energy savings of approximately 50 per cent for the development. The Opus is commercial tower in the Business Bay district of Dubai designed by the late award winning architect Zaha Hadid. It is a lively and contemporary business destination; perfect for a strategic regional or international headquarter for multinationals and even local ......read more

Uniting industry players to develop electric vehicle market Dubai – UAE, 08 August 2017:   To support the transition of the automotive industry towards green mobility and the recent initiatives taking places in the UAE, the New Energy Vehicles Club has been created under the umbrella of the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) at the initiative of ENGIE, an energy company, charging station manufacturer and board member of the CEBC. The creation of the club was announced on the occasion of a webinar on green mobility welcoming 400 participants including regional and global stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The Club’s role is to function as an electric vehicle and clean energy industry representative, connecting private sector players to relevant stakeholders in order to support the development of the ......read more

Financing provided by GCC based banks with syndication led by Emirates NBD The raise will support the group’s global operations to realise growth plans The Group plans to tap the Islamic Finance and Sukuk markets in Asia with focus on Indonesia and Malaysia for future potential funding Dubai, UAE, August 1, 2017:  Gulf Petrochem Group (GP), has successfully raised US$ 150 million from a group of international and local financial institutions based in the GCC. In an environment of continued low global oil prices, the financing will be used to support the group’s activities around the world.   The borrowing will take the form of an 8 year term loan which was provided by a syndicate of banks lead by Emirates NBD. IL&FS acted as the Financial Advisor. National Bank of Fujairah will be the ......read more

Dubai, UAE. July 26, 2017:  Petrofac has secured a contract extension and a new award with a combined value of more than US$100 million for construction management, engineering, commissioning and start-up services for two International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Iraq.  The awards reflect the extensive track record Petrofac has been amassing in the country since 2010.  Today’s announcement builds upon US$70 million of new awards in Iraq announced in April, giving the Group good visibility of future work in the country and securing around 250 jobs.   Mani Rajapathy, Managing Director, Engineering & Production Services East, said: “We’re delighted the IOCs in Iraq continue to choose Petrofac to support their operations.  Iraq is an important market for us and, as evidenced by the number of ......read more

Milestone testing achievement represents a significant step towards the completion of Unit 2 Tests performed demonstrate commitment to achieving the highest standards of quality.  Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 July 2017:  The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has successfully completed the Cold Hydrostatic Testing (CHT) at Unit 2 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant located in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi. The completion of this milestone, which concluded approximately 12 months after the same tests were successfully completed on Unit 1, demonstrates a commitment to achieving the highest international quality and safety standards, across the four units of the Barakah Plant.    The CHT verifies that welds, joints, pipes and components of the reactor coolant system and associated high-pressure systems are ......read more

Mega-project at Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam to generate growth in the local area, significantly contributing to the modernization of the economy and supply channel in southern Vietnam  Strategically located, the Bonded Terminal System is set to make Vietnam a force in Southeast Asian for crude oil and refined petroleum products H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Hamed’s majority-owned Baron Point Petroleum seeks to finance the development and provide best-in-class, Abu Dhabi and American expertise  Abu Dhabi, 23 July 2017:   Abu Dhabi-based Baron Point Petroleum Services Company L.L.C. (“Baron Point Petroleum”) has joined hands and engaged a joint-venture (“JV”) with PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (“PV Oil”), the national oil and gas company of Vietnam, to finance, ......read more

GCC LED lighting market estimated to comprise about 38% of the total lighting market in 2015 Dubai, U.A.E: The increase in global demand for lighting solutions, with an emphasis on energy efficient sources, is reshaping the lighting industry, while the continued market expansion in the region puts the Middle East in the spotlight as global majors target Light Middle East 2017. The leading trade, networking and business generating event for the lighting design and technology industry in the region, Light Middle East returns to Dubai later this year, larger and more representative than ever before. Organisers Messe Frankfurt Middle East, are expecting the show to open at least 10% larger than the previous edition in terms of both area and number of exhibitors, underlining the increasing appeal of the region to global ......read more

  *Article written by Christopher EL Khouri, Mechanical Engineer at DC PRO Engineering, a recognized world leader in the fields of District Energy, and regional pioneer in sustainable Green Building MEP Design     19 July 2017     With the increase of the temperatures in the GCC during the summer season, higher electric demand load will put pressure on air conditioning equipment in homes and offices around the city. DC PRO Engineering’s Christopher El Khouri provides six tips to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and keep bills down during the summer - and keep the environment happy.    Reduce electrical consumption in peak load hours (14:30-15:30). Daily summer temperatures are highest between 14.30 and 15.30. Consequently, air conditioning equipment consumes much ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 15 July, 2017:  ADNOC Distribution has announced the opening of Seah Al Saram Service Station in Fujairah, taking the total number of service stations in its network to 460 across the country.  The latest addition to the network demonstrates the company’s sustained efforts to meet the growing demand for its high-quality products and services in the UAE.  Located on Martyrs Street near the area of Dibba Al Hosn, the service station consists of five islands with 8 dispensers offering E-Plus 91, Special 95, Super 98 and Green Diesel. The station has sufficient fuelling capacity to serve 16 vehicles simultaneously. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: "The new Seah Al Saram service station further expands our comprehensive service station network ......read more

ADWEA leadership delegation visits Barakah and receives update on commissioning activities of Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant Peaceful nuclear energy will become a major provider of sustainable energy for the Nation Tour of Units 2, 3 and 4 demonstrate major construction progress and preparations for quality nuclear operations Tour demonstrated alignment with highest nuclear quality and safety standards  Abu Dhabi, UAE – 08 July 2017:  His Excellency Dr. Saif Al Seiari, Acting Director General, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), as well as senior leaders from ADWEA were hosted by ENEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Al Hammadi, and executive management, during a visit to the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The delegation was given a tour of Unit 1, which is now in the ......read more

ADNOC Distribution is the sole distributor of petroleum products in the Emirate  ADNOC Distribution’s service station network in Sharjah receives over 250,000 vehicles every day ADNOC Distribution operates 89 service stations in Sharjah   Abu Dhabi, 08 July, 2017: ADNOC Distribution, the sole distributor of petroleum products in the Emirate of Sharjah through its comprehensive service station network, has announced the further consolidation of its presence in the Emirate with the opening of Al Meedan Service Station.    Located on Al Zahra Street adjacent to Government House Square in Sharjah, the new facility is part of the company’s continuous commitment to meet the growing demand for its high-quality products and services across the UAE.    The latest addition to ......read more

The Global Cooperation Agreement brings together countries such as Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Germany (European Union), Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America  Dubai, UAE, 1 July 2017:  In an effort to enhance the conservational impact and development of district cooling in the UAE, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider and a member of the Board of Directors of International District Energy Association(IDEA); and partners of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) District Energy in Cities Initiative, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), a Global Cooperation Agreement at the 108th IDEA Annual Conference & Tradeshow held in Scottsdale, U.S.A, from 26 to 29 June ......read more

Covers KOTC vessels in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and Singapore Fujairah, UAE July 1, 2017:  GAC Fujairah has been awarded a husbandry contract by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) to provide ship supply services, spare parts handling and a range of other logistical services to its vessels arriving in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and Singapore anchorage.  As part of global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group, GAC Fujairah worked in close cooperation with the Middle East Regional Office in Dubai and GAC Singapore to secure the deal. Under the contract, the GAC team is set to handle approximately 450 jobs a year, a figure which is likely to grow as the KOTC fleet expands. This is the third time GAC Fujairah is appointed by KOTC to provide husbandry services to its vessels. A KOTC senior management ......read more

Ahmad Bin Shafar presented his views and opinions on the pace of change in the district cooling industry during the ‘Global Leaders Plenary Panel Discussion’   Dubai, UAE, 28 June 2017: Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, shared some of its latest best practices and innovations at the International District Energy Association’s (IDEA) 108th Annual Conference & Tradeshow held in Scottsdale, USA,from26 to 29 June2017.    “District Cooling has emerged as one of the best solutions to meet energy efficiency needs in response to global warming. The UAE has made considerable progress in this field and it was a pleasure to share and exchange some of the best practices and innovations ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 28 June, 2017: ADNOC Distribution recently opened the Mahawi North service station, located in the Mahawi area on the Abu Dhabi – Al Ain highway. This new addition takes the total number of stations in Abu Dhabi city and its suburbs to 98 service station and 10 ADNOC Xpress.  Throughout 6 islands and 12 dispensers; Mahawi service station will offer its customers with an around-clock conventional refueling services of fuel; E-Plus 91, special 95 and Super 98 as well as Green Diesel. In the future, the station will add natural gas for vehicles (NGV) facilities. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: "The opening of these two new service stations represents the latest stage in ADNOC Distribution’s overall expansion strategy aimed at meeting growing energy ......read more

Dubai 20 June 2017:  InSinkErator, a business unit of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), the inventor and the world's largest manufacturer of food waste disposers for home and commercial use,  has been included by the Ministry of Energy for the third consecutive year, in the 2017 UAE State of Energy Report. InSinkErator was recognized for this contribution during the Ministry of Energy’s annual iftar.  Engineers at InSinkErator have identified that a 10 watt LED lightbulb could be powered for 17 hours by one pound of food. The conclusion is that by putting food waste directly into a digester or using disposers to divert food waste from landfills to advanced wastewater treatment plants is not only environmentally responsible but also makes commercial sense. In a system where biogas is captured for energy and the bio-solid ......read more

Abu Dhabi, 18 June, 2017: ADNOC Distribution’s has announced that an updated version of its free-to-download mobile app is now available for customers, suppliers and the public. The upgraded app serves as a one-stop-shop for all ADNOC Distribution’s consumer-focused services. Comprehensive and friendly to use, the free mobile app enables customers to engage, interact, explore and stay-up-to date with ADNOC Distribution’s latest facilities and information. Saeed Mubarak Al Rashdi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Distribution, said: “We are delighted to offer an improved user-friendly design and an expanded range of useful functionalities through our upgraded app. We have focused on ease of use for our customers and have introduced an online account management facility for ADNOC Smart and Rahal ......read more

Dubai, 15 June, 2017:  As the region’s countries continue to inch closer to establishing knowledge-based economies and ICT becomes an integral part of everyday life, Dubai hosted the ICT Energy Efficiency Summit 2017, a two-day event that highlighted the latest innovations that drastically reduce energy consumption. Organized by Huawei, the Summit saw over 100 high-profile delegates representing the ICT industry in the region, including local operators Etisalat and du, as well as regional players including STC and Vodafone. The event also saw the participation of policy makers, regional authorities and industry analysts.  The Summit highlighted topics include the road to smart ICT facilities, reducing operating expenditure (OPEX), solar energy applications in the ICT industry and ways to a green, connected ......read more

15 June 2017 - Dubai, UAE: Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM), the Middle East's leading independent commercial product tanker operator has signed an AED275 million Shari'ah-compliant facility with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in the UAE.  The agreement marks the first time GEM has raised funding of this kind through Islamic finance. Commenting on the new terms, GEM CEO Ahmed Essa Hareb Al Falahi said: “The seven year facility is the first deal between GEM and Dubai Islamic Bank, the closing of this agreement is part of a long-term relationship with the bank as we look to extend our association. Providing custom-made services will assist the company to meet objectives to provide safe, high quality and economical operation of vessels and optimise shareholder value as well the purchase of new ......read more

13 June 2017 Petrofac has agreed a five-year relationship with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) for the provision of specialist technical training and competency development services.  The contract, which is valued at more than US$35 million, was secured following a competitive tendering process and is effective immediately. The work will be undertaken within Kuwait by the Training Services team who form part of Petrofac’s Engineering & Production Services division.  Petrofac will support KOC in reviewing and updating its competency systems and will develop and deliver technical training programmes to enhance the capability of its operations and maintenance personnel.   Karim Osseiran, Vice President, Training Services, Engineering & Production Services, East said: “This is a highly innovative, ......read more

On June 1-3, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano inspected several Russian nuclear facilities as part of his visit to the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. On June 3, Mr. Amano visited the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant, where he was introduced to the operation of the revamped power units and inspected the new launch-ready Generation 3+ VVER-1200 unit of the NPP.  During his visit, Mr. Amano expressed his high opinion of the Leningrad BPP’s safety systems, commenting that the new power unit comes originally equipped with additional protection systems compared to earlier projects. ‘The VVER-1200 unit’s multi-level produces a very powerful impression – in the event one system fails, another comes into effect, which is very correctly done,’ Mr. Amano noted. Earlier, on June 1, Mr. Amano ......read more

Dubai, UAE, 12 June 2017: The technical committee of the Emirates Energy Award (EEA), which organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the theme “Innovative solutions for clean energy”, held its first meeting in the headquarter of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE). The meeting was led by Dr. Eassa Al Bastaki, chairman of the technical committee, in addition to the committee members, Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emirates GBC, Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, Taher Diab, Secretary General of EEA, technical committee coordinator among other assessors experts. Members of the committee reviewed during the meeting the applications received by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to participate ......read more

For the fourth year in a row: The campaign aims to reduce the energy consumption through optimal temperature setting  Dubai, UAE, 11 June 2017: As the mercury rises, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, has launched its nationwide summer campaign – ‘Smile at 24 degrees’. The campaign will be running for three months and it aims to reduce the energy consumption through optimal temperature setting, which will help to save the environment, energy, future for the generations to come, as well as save on energy bills. To put simple ideas into action, Empower ran a pre-summer preparation campaign titled ‘8 Step Summer Campaign’ to  ensure accuracy, efficiency and reliability of the usage of district cooling ......read more