Prysmian Awarded 140 Million Euro Contract In Qatar For The Development Of The First Ever High Voltage Submarine Power Link In The Country

This new contract; togetherwith other important underground and submarine HVprojects that Prysmian is developing in the whole Middle East; confirms the major role Prysmian is playing in the powertransmission network expansion ofthe region.

Prysmian, a worldwide leading Group in the sector of cables and systems for energy and telecommunications, has been awarded a strategic contract worth 140 million euro by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) for the development of the first ever submarine cable turnkey project serving Doha, the capital of Qatar. This new agreement follows the 168 million euro contract recently secured by a Prysmian led consortium for the construction of a high voltage underground cable system, and further confirms the strategic role Prysmian is playing in the Middle East as a major utilities partner for the current power transmission network expansion program. Among other projects, Prysmian is currently involved in the construction of the submarine power connection between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, with the GCCIA (Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority).

Prysmian's know-how and experience in the supply of integrated turnkey solutions has been key to succeeding in this challenging technological and market environment. The Doha project requires the provision of engineering, marine and land surveys and procurement and cable construction, as well as submarine and land installation and commissioning services for 220 kV submarine and underground power cables for a total of 63 km and related accessories. The installation will start in 2009 and is due to be completed at the end of 2010. The cable will be manufactured in Arco Felice (Italy), Prysmian's submarine cable plant.

Qatar, situated in the Arabic Gulf with its abundant petroleum and natural gas reserves, posts double-digit growth rates and invests continuously in the country's infrastructure. This project is representative of the new stage Qatar's Power Transmission Expansion to continue the reinforcement of the main transmission networks and to secure the power supply to industrial and domestic sectors.

The Middle East region has been targeted as a strategic area of expansion for Prysmian. Currently the Group has offices and facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), Doha (Qatar), Manama (Bahrain) and Kuwait. Other relevant projects under development in the region are: Emirates Aluminum Company Ltd. (EMAL) for the supply and installation of high voltage cables and systems for the world's largest aluminum smelter facility under construction in Abu Dhabi; Fujairah (UAE) and Doha (QATAR) main Transmission Projects (high voltage cables); Pearl GTL, the bigger Oil and Gas project started in 2006 in Qatar, and Ras Laffan Gasfield Downstram Development in Qatar, (industrial cables); Burj Dubai, the highest tower in the world (fire protection power cables) - Palm Island Dubai - Logo Island interconnection (submarine medium voltage cables).