UAE Eyes Grid Extension

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to integrate its gas pipelines with Oman's and Saudi Arabia's and is considering other Arab nations for connections, according to state news agency WAM January 15.

Energy minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said that in future Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt might join the integrated gas network, saying it would "improve energy security.” Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia are also researching a possible integrated power grid.

Al Mazrouei added that extending the network would provide a constant and secure source of gas, noting that the study is incomplete and there is not yet agreement on the relevant details.

"We have plans for commercial connections with Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, which are expected to begin soon. We also plan to connect to Ethiopia, which will provide a link between the countries of Asia and Africa," Al Mazrouei said

Missing from the list are Iran and Qatar, two Persian Gulf nations which the Saudi-led Arabic coalition has accused of threatening the region’s security. Iran and Qatar are also the biggest net exporters but Oman, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are developing their reserves. Qatar exports gas to UAE and Oman through the Dolphin pipeline, while Iran supplies Iraq with gas.

No cost or timetable appears in the report and if it extended as far as suggested it would impact other producers in the eastern Mediterranean area.

Gas balance in Middle Eastern nations (2017) (bn m³)

Source: OPEC, BP (bn m³).Note: Differences in energy balance is related to gas lost in grid or liquefaction process

Al Mazrouei expressed his optimism regarding the future balance between gas and renewables and said that the Energy Strategy 2050 includes increasing solar electricity to around 44% of daytime power demand  with the aim of achieving balance between gas and solar energy.