Tribune News network – Doha
Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) and Siemens signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday, to cooperate on exploring opportunities for training Qatari engineers.
The MoU also supports the development of local engineering talent, boosts knowledge transfer and enhances the maintenance and operational efficiency of QEWC power plant assets and the IPPs, a press statement said.
The MoU was signed by QEWC General Manager and Managing Director Fahad bin Hamad al Mohannadi and Adrian Wood, CEO of Siemens Qatar.
The two organisations agreed to collaborate on Siemens- supplied technology at QEWC facilities, including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, ancillaries and controls, the statement said.
Mohannadi stressed the keenness of QEWC to develop the Qatari engineers’ skills.
He said, “We are highly committed to fulfill the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by contributing to human development, and building capable and skilled Qatari workforce. “Through these initiatives, our engineers have the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge where they will be working alongside local and international professionals, across various segments of the power sector.”
Adrian said, “This MoU further strengthens our long-standing relationship with QEWC, ensuring their power assets continue to operate reliably and efficiently.
“We believe strongly that knowledge transfer through education and training is an important part of social and economic development, and I look forward to working with QEWC to further develop the skills of the country’s
engineers.”
Siemens has been working in Qatar since the 1960s and continues to be a key contributor to the country’s energy, mobility and city infrastructure. The company has recently handed over operations of the 2.5 gigawatt (GW) Umm Al Houl Combined Cycle Power Plant, which will deliver almost a quarter of the nation’s installed power generating capacity, and ensure adequate power and water supply for seasonal fluctuations and major events.
Siemens is also building 35 turnkey substations as part of the nation’s plan to expand and strengthen its power network, under Phase 13 of the Qatar Power Transmission System Expansion project.