H.E. Anwaer (3rd, L), Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain, and Shaikh Mohammed (3rd, R), Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, attend the opening ceremony of an affordable housing project in eastern Sitra, an island in Bahrain, on Dec 27. [Photo/ouest-coaching.com]

China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), a subsidiary of Sinomach, signed and launched a number of overseas projects at the end of 2020 in a heightened effort to further develop economic and social well-being in its host countries.

Undertaking the world’s largest single solar plant

CMEC had earlier signed an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contract of a two-gigawatt (GW) Al Dhafra PV2 Solar Project in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

With financing of $1 billion in place construction can now start on the project, and the company will be responsible for its design, supply, construction, quality assurance, operation and maintenance as well as its supporting facilities.

It is in some way a record-breaking: it will be the world's largest single-site solar power project once completed. As a milestone in the field of green energy under the Belt and Road Initiative, the project also plays a demonstrative role in the global solar plant sector.

The signing of the project signifies that CMEC continues to be a front-runner in the world’s contracting and service of photovoltaic power station projects, and that it has successfully moved into the upscale market of the Middle East countries.

Starting the affordable housing project in Bahrain

Witnessed by H.E. Anwaer, Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain, and Shaikh Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, an affordable housing project contracted by CMEC in eastern Sitra, Bahrain, was officially launched on Dec 27.

At the ceremony, the Bahraini Minister of Housing spoke highly of CMEC’s commitment to overcoming various difficulties brought by the rampant COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that the construction of the project proceeded on schedule.

He added that the Bahraini Housing Ministry will work with CMEC to ensure the smooth construction and delivery of the project.

The project is an important civil engineering undertaking that will ensure and improve people’s well-being in Bahrain. It will play a significant role in maintaining the steady and rapid development of the local economy after completion.

Winning the 500 KV power transformer looped network closure project in Uruguay

CMEC won the bid for a 500-kilovolt (KV) power transmission and distribution looped network closure EPC project on Dec 30. Crossing five provinces of northern Uruguay, the project involves the construction of a new 500 KV substation, the expansion of a 500 KV substation, and the construction of a 355-kilometer-long 500 KV single circuit.

The project will play an important role in meeting the transmission demands of several major investment projects in Uruguay and attracting investment in further major projects. It will also significantly improve the reliability and stability of the Uruguayan national power grid and of power interconnections with neighboring countries.