AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) announced that its subsidiary, Ras Laffan Power Company Ltd., today inaugurated Ras Laffan, the first independent power and desalination plant in the State of Qatar. The plant is a 756 MW (megawatt) natural gas fired power generation and 40 MIGD (million imperial gallons per day) water desalination plant located in the Ras Laffan Industrial City.

The new facilities help meet Qatar's growing needs for electricity and water to fuel the country's rapidly expanding economy. The new power plant is expected to meet 30% of Qatar's peak power demand and the desalination plant is estimated to increase the country's potable water supply by 40%. Together, they will serve approximately 200,000 people.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, inaugurated the plant during a ceremony today in Ras Laffan Industrial City. AES President and CEO Paul Hanrahan attended the ceremony along with other members of the Qatar royal family, ministers, members of the advisory council, senior government officials, diplomats and industry executives.

"As Qatar continues to expand economically, the country needs new sources of electricity and water to help fuel this growth," said Hanrahan during the plant's inauguration ceremonies. "Ras Laffan's new facilities help ensure a reliable source of these essential goods and we're proud to help Qatar continue to grow and prosper."

"We are grateful for the cooperation and support of the government of Qatar in helping to make this important project a success," said Shahzad Qasim, AES Senior Vice President for Generation in the Middle East. "This joint venture project, including local, regional and international companies, represents the cornerstone of private sector participation in the country's infrastructure development."

Ras Laffan is a joint venture between AES, Qatar Electricity and Water Company, Qatar Petroleum and Gulf Investment Corporation. AES manages and operates the plant which has been in service since May 2004.

The project sells power and water under a 25-year contract to Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), a state owned transmission and distribution company. Payment obligations are backed by a guarantee from the State of Qatar. In addition, the project has a secure long-term (25 year) supply agreement for natural gas and seawater with Qatar Petroleum.

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Statements in this press release regarding AES Corporation's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors" in the Company's 2003 Form 10-K.

About AES

AES is a leading global power company, with 2003 revenues of $8.4 billion. AES operates in 27 countries, generating 44,000 megawatts of electricity through 111 power facilities and delivers electricity through 17 distribution companies. Our 30,000 people are committed to operational excellence and meeting the world's growing power needs. To learn more about AES, please visit www.aes.com or contact AES media relations at media@aes.com.