Tabreed, Lavalin sign BFH deal

Tabreed Bahrain, a leading district cooling player, announced yesterday the signing of agreements with SNC Lavalin Gulf Contractors, one of the world's largest engineering firms to construct a district cooling plant at Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH), and Sumitomo Corporation (in collaboration with Japan AE Power Systems Corporation), one of the Japan's largest technology firms, to supply BFH with two new 66kV city substations. As part of its growth strategy, Tabreed is planning to increase its capital to finance its rapid expansion in the Kingdom.

"We are proud to implement one of Bahrain's foremost construction projects," said Bernt Andersson, CEO of Tabreed Bahrain. "This agreement shows Bahrain's commitment to a future devoted to energy conservation and pollution reduction. We look forward to a continued relationship with Bahrain's construction projects on the North Shore and Reef Island, and to remaining at the forefront of this country's growth."

The deals with SNC Lavalin and Sumitomo Corporation centre will give BFH, Reef Island and many North Shore projects the ability to maximise space.

Andersson said: "District cooling enables the construction of buildings that consume less power than buildings that use conventional cooling.

"Lower energy consumption means less pollution, less of an energy drain during summer months and of course considerable cost savings. For district cooling to be associated with one of Bahrain's most prestigious developments reflects this country's dedication to a sustainable future."

Paul Beaudry, Managing Director, SNC-Lavalin Gulf Contractors LLC said: "We see this project as an important demonstration of the marrying of technology and forward thinking. We are proud to be associated with this project, and what it means to the nation."

ES Premanand, Sales and Marketing Manager, Sumitomo Corporation said: "As a company devoted to supplying the most advanced technology to construction projects worldwide, we are happy to bring our expertise to Bahrain."

The Bahrain Financial Harbour is an offshore development built atop reclaimed land. Reef Island is set to become one of Bahrain's leading luxury communities and will result in the creation of more than 1,300 homes off the northern coast of the country. Both will make up significant parts of Bahrain's North Shore developments.