Power-Gen Middle East, WaterWorld Middle East 2013 conducts in-depth technical tours

At Ras Abu Fontas Power and Desalination Plant, delegates were treated to educational and informative presentations by senior management including Mr. Rasheed Al-Abdulsattar, CEO, Mr. Haseeb Khan, Operations Manager and Mr. Al-Muftah, Production Manager.

The tour also included behind-the-scenes viewing of the Central Control Room, Monitoring Station and Operation Processes as part of the plant's major facilities.

Ras Abu Fontas Power Plant is one of five power and desalination plants owned and operated by QEWC with Ras Laffan 1, Ras Laffan 11, and Ras Girtas also operating as combined power and desalination plants and Mesaieed Power Plant, solely involved in the generation of power. All contribute significant contribution to Qatar's total power generation of 8,700 MegaWhats and 327 MIGD of water production, extracted via exhaust heat from the gas turbines.

Delegates of the conference also had the chance to view four research facilities at Qatar Science & Technology Park including ConocoPhillips Water Technology Ltd ExxonMobil Research Qatar, Chevron Qatar Energy Technology and Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre.

ExxonMobil Research Qatar's research will be increasingly important as Qatar continues to develop the world's largest integrated gas processing and liquefaction facilities, processes and as part of the tour, delegates were provided with insights into environmental management, water reuse, LNG safety and coastal carbonates.

State-of-the-art analytical laboratories, advanced bench and pilot-scale process testing equipment were also viewed at ConocoPhillips Global Water Sustainability Center (GWSC). Occupying a total of 1000 square meters, the facilities' pilot-testing research program will be conducted throughout ConocoPhillips' global operational facilities and at local treatment plants.

Further developments into one of Qatar's major solar test facility, Chevron Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency (CSEE) included an inspection of solar power, solar air conditioning and lighting technologies suited to Qatar's buildings and climate which supports Qatar's sustainable development through research, demonstration and training in solar power and energy efficiency.

The final part of the tour culminated in an introduction into the Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre, one of Shell's premier learning hubs in the region which provides interactive technical and managerial courses to employees from Qatar and elsewhere. The learning centre also conducts external lectures and seminars in local universities as part of the commitment to transfer technology and knowledge to Qatar.

Power-Gen Middle East and WaterWorld Middle East continues through until the end of Wednesday 6 February with conference sessions running from 09:00 until 16:00 and the exhibition open from 10:00-17:00. Admission to the exhibition is free to all visitors of the event.