Ajman in $2bn power plant deal

Ajman Government and MMC of Malaysia yesterday signed a pact to build a $2 billion (Dh7.34bn) 1000MW power plant in the emirate.

The agreement was signed by the head of the emirate's Municipality and Planning Department Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and head of MMC's Investments and Projects Section Ernest Navaratnam.

The signing ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman.

Sheikh Rashid said the coal-operated plant will supply new real estate projects with electricity, especially those of Al Zorah and other projects to be developed on Emirates Road.

The plant will be completed in some 42 months, said Al Nuaimi, adding that in the next six months feasibility, technical and environmental studies will be conducted to curb the effects of vapours and sulphate residue.

Sheikh Rashid said the two electricity plants built by the Federal Electricity and Water Authority are expected to be operative in the next few months. He said the pact has been made with the Malaysian company that consumers shall only have to pay ten per cent extra of the average prices of Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.