Model investigation on the impact of Raha Beach development on Umm Al Nar Power and Desalination Plant

Umm Al Nar Power and Desalination Plant is one of the largest plants in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. The plant was built in the mid eighties and its capacity was increased in 2001. The present plant capacity after the extension is 1000 Mega Watt power and 165 Million Gallon water per day. Recently, it was decided to develop and reclaim the Raha Beach coastal area near the plant for housing and recreation purposes. This requires reclamation of a large area in the Airport Channel, which is a large channel connected to the plant vicinity. A comprehensive study was carried out by Water & Power Research Center of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority to investigate the impact of the reclamation activities in the Airport Channel on the flow pattern in the plant vicinity and the recirculation of effluents from the outfalls of the plant to its intakes. The paper describes the two-dimensional numerical hydrodynamic flow model used in the study. The model results showing the effects of the reclamation activities on the flow pattern and the brine disposal of the plant is presented and discussed.