TAQA enters exclusive talks for major Turkish power development

TAQA and EÜAŞ have been selected as the government-related entities responsible for implementing the project.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a project company in which TAQA and any future partners would retain the majority shareholding.

In accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement, the project company will acquire, modernise and expand the existing 1,400 MW Plant B and develop several new power plants and associated mines in sectors C, D, E and G of the Afsin-Elbistan region in southern Turkey.

Preparatory work on Plant B and the feasibility study for the planned 1,440 MW Plant C and associated mine development will start immediately.

His Excellency Mohamed bin Dhaen Al Hamli, Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates, said, "This agreement further strengthens the bond between Turkey and the UAE, adding an important commercial dimension to this strategic relationship."

The Intergovernmental Agreement follows the signing of a joint declaration between the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on October 9, 2012 and meetings held between His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Excellency Abdullah Gul, the President of the Republic of Turkey, and His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey in February 2012.

The Agreement was signed by His Excellency Taner Yıldız, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey and His Excellency Mohamed bin Dhaen Al Hamli, Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates.

The event was held in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and Vice-Chairman of TAQA; and His Excellency Khaled Al Mu'alla, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Turkey.

His Excellency Hamad Al-Hurr Al-Suwaidi, said, "We are delighted to be part of this historic partnership which will achieve progress for both our nations. At TAQA, part of our strategy is to take our global expertise from Abu Dhabi to the world. As an emerging market with a positive outlook, Turkey is perfectly aligned with TAQA's growth strategy. The country is creating the right conditions to attract foreign direct investment to develop its indigenous energy resources."

Carl Sheldon, Chief Executive Officer of TAQA, said, "As a full-scale energy company, TAQA offers Turkey a durable partner to develop this strategic project enhancing Turkey's energy security. This agreement paves the way for TAQA to enter an emerging merchant market for power, demonstrating TAQA's increasing maturity as a developer and operator of assets through the energy value chain."

The development of Turkey's indigenous lignite resources is a priority because it enables the nation to reduce its dependence on imported natural gas. Lignite's role in power generation is set to expand alongside rapid growth expected in electricity demand. Approximately 40 % of Turkey's lignite is located in the Afşin-Elbistan basin.

The negotiations will lead to the signing of a Host Government Agreement in the second quarter of 2013, establishing more detailed terms.