The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain has received proposals from Acwa and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) for the Sitra Independent Water and Power Project (Sitra IWPP), reports Saudi Gulf Projects.
The Sitra IWPP is being procured under a Build Own Operate (BOO) model and forms part of Bahrain's efforts to expand electricity generation and water production capacity to meet future demand.
The project includes the development of a thermal power plant with a guaranteed net contracted power capacity of between 1,400 MW and 1,500 MW, together with a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination facility with a guaranteed net contracted water capacity of 5,682 cubic metres per hour.
Under the tender requirements, the selected developer will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of the facilities, as well as associated electrical, water transmission and utility infrastructure.
Located in Sitra, the project is intended to supply electricity and desalinated water to Bahrain's national networks under long-term arrangements. The facility is expected to be among the country's largest integrated power and water projects.
The latest development marks a further step in the procurement process following the project's prequalification stage, during which several regional and international developers expressed interest in participating in the tender. Earlier reports indicated that nine companies had submitted statements of qualification for the project.
EWA is expected to evaluate the submitted technical, legal and financial proposals before selecting a preferred bidder and advancing the project to the next stage of development.
