The project to link the UAE emirates' power networks with the unified Emirates National Network at a cost of about Dh900 million has been completed, according to Energy Minister Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili.

The power grid inter-link is one of the most important energy projects, Al Hamili said on the occasion of the 38th National Day.

He said the unified power link would stabilise the network and put an end to full or partial periodic blackouts in some emirates.

Al Hamili noted that there were some power grid projects to link the GCC countries.

On water, he said the UAE has overcome challenges in this field by resorting to desalination of sea water.

The UAE produces about 2.3 billion gallons a day, constituting 13 per cent of the total output of water desalination plants in the world, he added.

The UAE ranks second after Saudi Arabia in regard to the production of the desalinated water in the world.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.