Global trio to advise Dubai on coal-fired power station

The Dubai Elelctricity and Water Authority(Dewa) has selected three international firms to advise it on developing a coal-fired power plant.

The management consultant McKinsey, the engineering and construction group Black and Veatch and the law firm Allen and Overy were selected to conduct a technical and economic study of power generation using "clean coal" technology. Completion is slated for September.

"This study is a major step towards the implementation of the energy diversification strategy adopted by the Dubai Supreme Council of

Energy, in which coal is set to become part of Dubai's energy portfolio," said Saeed al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dewa.

"The strategy aims to diversify energy sources to ensure energy supply and meet the growing energy demands in the emirate of Dubai."

The consultants are to advise on the technology and the grade and source of coal best suited to Dewa's requirements. They would also set technical and business specifications for the power project.