Doha: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has received five bids from international developers qualified for the first solar power project in Qatar to produce electricity by using photovoltaic technology, which was offered by the public-private partnership system, where Kahramaa reviews and evaluates technical, legal and commercial offers.
The West Doha Solar Power Plant project is being built near the Al Kharsa'a district with an area of 10 square kilometers, where the total capacity of the solar power project is estimated at least 700 MW, out of which 350 MW will be connected to the grid in the first quarter of 2021 and commercial operation will begin in the first quarter of 2022.
Kahramaa has already qualified 16 of the world's leading companies to establish and develop solar power plants, where bids were received from companies and alliances from France, Japan, South Ko-rea and China, demonstrating the strength and attractiveness of the Qatari market and the interest of international companies in the partnership.
The project was offered by building and operation mechanism for 25 years, then the assets were transferred to Kahramaa according to the internationally recognized BOOT system.
The plant is part of the company's plans to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency by diversifying sources of electricity production, besides increasing the proportion of renewable energy, in accordance with the directives of the wise leadership to reduce dependence on oil and gas in the economic activities of the State to achieve economic diversification and in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 within the pillars of economic development and environmental development, to diversify sources of electricity production and increase the proportion of renewable energy.
Kahramaa is the sole owner and operator of the network of electricity and water distribution systems in Qatar. Kahramaa was established in July 2000 to regulate and provide electricity and water to all participants with high efficiency.
Kahramaa is responsible for the purchase, distribution and sale of electricity and water from independent producers and provide technical and institutional support for the establishment of power generation and desalination plants, and owns, constructs and operates electricity and water distribution networks in Qatar, as well as preparing plans and programs for the development of electricity and water distribution networks, setting the rules governing the work of electrical connections and water installations for various buildings and facilities, and providing services and consultations in the field of their activities.