By CGTN's Nawied Jabarkhyl
Chinese involvement in energy projects in the Middle East could help bring the cost of electricity down in places like the United Arab Emirates. The Hassyan Power Plant in Dubai is one example of how companies from China are exploring new partnerships.
With tens of billions of dollars set to be invested in green energy in the Middle East in the coming years, the sector could become a key focal point of the Belt and Road Initiative.
For Kaya Scott and her family of five, early evenings are usually the busiest time of day. As any parent would know, with three young children to look after, it also requires a lot of energy.
“Our water and electricity bills get very high and usually in the summer, get out of control. It’s a big portion of our monthly income, so it’s quite stressful,” said Scott.
For thousands of people like the Scotts though, energy bills in Dubai could soon be cheaper, thanks to projects like the Hassyan Clean Coal Power Plant.
It may not be the most environmentally-friendly option, but the 3.4 billion-dollar development is part of wider plans here to make the UAE’s energy mix far more sustainable in the future.
Although it looks like a lot of sand at the moment, once this plant is complete, it’ll generate 2,400 megawatts of energy - that’s about 25 percent of the total capacity currently installed in Dubai. But, Hassyan isn’t just about power. It’s also an example of how Chinese companies are working with their local counterparts in the Middle East.
The project is a joint venture between Dubai utility firm DEWA and a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and China’s Harbin Electric, as well as the Silk Road Fund.
Projects like Hassyan are becoming more common in this part of the world. The UAE says it wants to invest 163 billion US dollars in green energy by 2050. Saudi Arabia on the other hand is looking to put up to 50 billion US dollars into renewables within the next six years. The first phase of Hassyan is set to come online in 2020.
