lisTening PosT
Ò We deployed into India and Libya, opening energy cities in each, and Kazakhstan, China and South America are on the agendaÓ
Gigantic data centre
Al-Emadi says ECQ will be run via a state-of-the-art data centre, offering some of the most advanced data communication services and solutions ever provided in the region. This will put ECQ on the map as a smart city or eCity. It will leverage on cutting edge technology and provides services such as IT Command Centre, Smart Traffic System, Centralised Data Centre, Security System and Facility Management. “We have signed an agreement with Qtel to build it.” ECQ infrastructure work will be completed in six months, and within two years, the City’s main control centre, ie the Energy City headquarters building, will be operable. ECQ will develop 5-10% of the city’s layout, while other developers will take charge of the rest. It may take 2-3 years for developers to complete their work. “Around 70% of investors have submitted their concept designs in accordance with ECQ’s specifications, and the we are working on getting them approvals,” notes the CEO.
Unique Proposition
Asked about the real unique proposition of his project, Al-Emadi says the
In Numbers
34
QT-Nov.indd 34
9.4
QR billion Estimated project value (total)
strength of ECQ emanates from the resilient, robust economy of Qatar. “All the figures are favourable for Qatar. The country is pitching itself as a leader of the future, clean energy on the global arena. Qatar’s role in the international energy market can’t be undermined. And in a country relying heavily on the energy sector, a huge deal of developments are energy-oriented. This is the right environment for our business. ECQ can play the role of a regional energy centre with unlimited global potential.”
The Way Ahead
The CEO says his company has multiple plans for the future. They are trying to expand ECQ concept as a solely business park, into more comprehensive parks in subsequent undertakings, with shorter term prospects. “We are looking at expanding it into all-inclusive projects that consist of education parks, R&D venues, residential areas and service and entertainment zones. While putting these together, we will target shorter term ventures.” n
iN A NUtSheLL Energy City Qatar is the first integrated energy hub in the GCC and MENA regions. With a vision to enhance the Gulf regionÕ s ability to capture critical revenue streams from hydrocarbons, ECQ will act as a nucleus for the core elements of Middle East ever growing oil and gas industry. ECQ is located midway between the Dafna business district and Lusail City, approx. 20 kilometres north of Doha International Airport.
5-10%
Of developments to be done by ECQ
ECQ was launched in March 2006 with an estimated project value of $2.6 (QR9.4) billion. ECQ will consist of 92 corporate buildings and can house around 20,000 people. All buildings have to adhere to the building guidelines defined by ECQ. Structures will be constructed at the highest standards complying with US Green Building Council LEED Certification requirements for energy efficiency.
100% Sold
70%
Of investors submitted concept designs
Qatar Today November 10
11/1/10 7:29:25 PM