A $2.1 billion plant is capable of producing 1,234 megawatts of power and 48 million gallons of desalinated water has been launched in Bahrain by His Majesty King Hamad.

He unveiled a special plaque at the hi-tech Al Dur Power and Water Plant, which was constructed to meet Bahrain's growing demand for energy and water.

The King was accompanied by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the official opening of the plant, which began full commercial operations in February as part of a public-private partnership.

"Such successful co-operation will bolster confidence in Bahrain as a country endowed with a solid economy and a hub for attractive investment firms," said the King.

He added that its launch could not come at a better time.

"Al Dur couldn't come at a better time as Bahrain witnesses a surge in demand for electricity to meet the expanding housing, urban and industrial sectors," His Majesty said.

Among those present yesterday (April 30) were Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza, Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) chief executive Shaikh Nawaf bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Al Dur Power and Water chairman Shafiq Ali, Gulf Investment Corporation executive president Hisham Razouqi and chief executive officer of International Power GDF Suez Phil Cox.

The King said the state-of-the-art facility was key to feeding the nation's growing demand for electricity and supporting industrial and investment projects, adding that Bahrain was keen to embark on more public-private partnerships that benefit the people.

He also offered his support to Bahrainis employed at the facility and efforts to create a skilled workforce.

Dr Mirza revealed the EWA was planning to construct a new transmission plant and water storage plant to supply consumers all over the country. – TradeArabia News Service