Atkins has been appointed by Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company to provide engineering design services for the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority Mirfa Independent Water and Power Project in Abu Dhabi.

A consortium of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors headed by HDEC will undertake the construction of the plant which is due to be commissioned in phases during 2016 and 2017.

Atkins’ Power and Renewables business has been awarded a contract by the consortium to provide civil design review and assistance in building permitting from the Western Region Municipality of Abu Dhabi along with assistance towards conformity to the Estidama sustainability framework and international environmental standards.

Phil Malem, managing director for Atkins’ Power and Renewables business said:

“This contract is a significant win for the team, and another major step towards growing Atkins’ Energy business in the United Arab Emirates. We are looking forward to working with all of those involved on this exciting project.”

Located 120km from Abu Dhabi city, the Mirfa plant project is the emirate's tenth facility of its type and will involve the development, design, engineering and construction of new power and water facilities. When finished, the Mirfa IWPP will have a total power capacity of approximately 1,600 MW.

The Estidama framework ensures sustainability is incorporated into the construction and operation of all buildings in Abu Dhabi and is a key aspect of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 drive towards innovative green standards.