Saudi-based Acwa Power has announced the launch of the $1-billion Kirikkale Combined Cycle Power Plant in Turkey which has a 1,000 MW capacity, enough to meet three per cent of the country's total electricity demand.

A leading developer, investor and operator of a portfolio of power generation and desalinated water production plants, Acwa currently has presence in 10 countries including in the Middle East and North Africa, Southern Africa and South East Asia regions.

The project was officially launched at a major ceremony held at the Presidential Complex in the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Berat Albayrak, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources besides other senior officials.
 
Acwa said the plant was the first and largest of Saudi energy investments in Turkey’s power sector.

More than 2,000 local engineers and workers were employed in the construction process, which began in December 2014, it stated.

Acwa Power's chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said: "The inauguration of this project is a clear sign of the growth and modernisation in Turkey which is making the country set for continued development. We applaud the Turkish authorities on delivering a key infrastructure project to drive the economy forward for future generations."

During the ceremony, which was shown live on TV, Erdoğan congratulated Kırıkkale Governor, Dr M İlker Haktankaçmaz and Thamer Al Sharhan, the managing director at Acwa Power.

Mehmet Saygılı - the Mayor of Kırıkkale, Nuh Dağdelen - the provincial chairman of AK Party and Abid Hussain Malik, the managing director of Acwa Power at Turkey were also present at the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Al Sharhan said: "This project is an ideal example of the power of public-private partnerships in fulfilling national ambitions."

The Kırıkkale Power Plant will provide a steady and reliable energy to Turkey’s national grid, he stated.

The project is also among the top three most efficient combined cycle gas power plants in Turkey, significantly contributing to the country’s economy through savings in gas consumption, noted Al Sharhan.

Malik said Kirikkale project holds immense value to the Turkish community and its efficiency and design are testament to Acwa Power’s expertise in projects that provide reliable delivery of power and water at the lowest possible cost.

"The team has worked hard to meet the highest quality standards and utilise best practices. We are delighted to have played a vital role in bolstering the Turkish economy and are confident of a bright future ahead," he added.-TradeArabia News Service