WINNER GCC POWER & WATER DESALINATION PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Power Plant 10

Entrant: Arabian Bemco Contracting

Project owner: Saudi Electricity Company

Project contractor: Arabian Bemco Contracting

Engineering consultant: Arabian Bemco Contracting

Architect: Arabian Bemco Contracting

Description: Riyadh Power Plant 10 provides 2,600MW of power to Riyadh’s industrial area, educational institutions and residents. The project employed more than 1,000 Saudi nationals during construction and has provided permanent jobs for skilled technicians, operators and the plant management team. The plans required interdisciplinary coordination and the implementation of international standards. The plant’s design allows for a future upgrade to a more efficient combined-cycle design. Safety and quality were crucial and challenging for a project this large and with a fast-track schedule, so safety and quality training was given to all levels of personnel involved in the project.

Qatar

Seawater Desalination Plant for Pearl Qatar

Entrant: Metito

Project owner: United Development Company

Project contractor: Metito

Engineering consultant: Dar al-Handasah

Architect: Dar al-Handasah

Description: The Pearl Qatar’s reverse osmosis desalination plant can supply water for drinking, district cooling and irrigation. During the design stage, an environmental study was performed to mitigate the impact of raw water intake and brine discharge on the marine ecosystem. Transporting and installing equipment was a challenge, as was the design and construction of a four-storey plant room. The plant’s basement is 9 metres below sea level and contains components such as pressure filters and pumps. Other equipment is housed at ground level and on the first floor, while the cooling towers sit on the upper floor.

Oman

Amal Power Station Project

Entrant: Al-Hassan Engineering Company

Project owner: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

Project contractor: Al-Hassan Engineering

Engineering consultant: WorleyParsons Oman Engineering: Mott MacDonald

Description: The Amal Power Station is located about 900 kilometres south of Muscat. It was built to meet future power requirements and the steam cogeneration requirements of various fields owned by PDO. The new power station was an opportunity for Al-Hassan Engineering to employ more people from the region. Construction time was reduced and operations made easier by innovations including the use of reinforced columns and block work in a fire wall for the generator transformer.