GDF SUEZ celebrates first stone ceremony for Ras Laffan C project, Qatar

The government of Qatar used the occasion to emphasise the importance of this major infrastructure project.

With a capacity of 2,730 MW and more than 286,000 m³ desalinated water per day, Ras Laffan C will be the largest power and water plant in the country.

The electricity and water will be sold through a 25 year Power and Water Purchase Agreement with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA).

This project will contribute significantly to the development of the power and water sector infrastructure in Qatar, which is needed to ensure Qatar's stable economic growth.

GDF SUEZ Energy International and its partners were chosen as preferred bidders for the Ras Laffan C project in March 2008 and in August 2008 the consortium secured $3.25bn in long term financing from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Export Development Canada (EDC), Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and a syndicate of 21 international and regional banks.

Ras Laffan C should be operational by April 2011, with an early power and water phase beginning in May 2010.

Representing GDF SUEZ at the event, Dirk Beeuwsaert, CEO of GDF SUEZ Energy Europe & International, said:

"The Qatari government's vision in steering the country's economy has undoubtedly whetted the appetite of major industrial companies for investing in this promising region. GDF SUEZ pledges its continued commitment to Ras Laffan and to the development of infrastructure for the future of Qatar."

Other large power and water projects the Group is currently constructing are located in Saudi Arabia - Marafiq, a 2,745 MW power plant and desalination plant producing 800,000 m³ of water per day, in Abu Dhabi - Shuweihat 2, a power generation (1,500 MW) and desalination plant (454,610 m³/day of water) and Al Dur 1 - another power (1,234 MW) and water (218,000 m³/day) plant situated in Bahrain.

In the Middle East, GDF SUEZ is the leading private power developer with a direct equity interest in nearly 14,000 MW and more than 2.5 million m³ of water per day of desalination capacity.

The Group treats over 400,000 m3 /day of recycled and reused water and offers engineering and waste management solutions.