Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) is progressing two utility projects following the receipt and review of bids for the 100-megawatt Bilaj Al Jazayer Solar Independent Power Project (IPP) and the Hidd Independent Water Project (IWP).
For the Bilaj Al Jazayer Solar IPP, EWA received two bids last month from ACWA Power and Yellow Door Energy, with the latter accepted subject to conditions. The project is a utility-scale solar photovoltaic development structured on a build-own-operate basis under a 25-year agreement. Its scope includes power generation facilities and related infrastructure such as access and internal roads.
The request for proposals was issued in October 2025 using a single-stage, two-envelope tender process. Bids were opened on 12 March 2026. The targeted commercial operation date is 30 September 2027. Earlier reporting indicated that the contract award is expected in the second quarter of 2026.
For the Hidd Independent Water Project, EWA accepted bids from ACWA Power and GS Inima Environment. Other participants in the process included TAQA and Lamar Holding.
The prequalification tender for the water project was issued on 12 November 2024, with bids also opened on 12 March 2026. The project involves a seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility with a guaranteed net contracted capacity of 11,364 cubic metres per hour, equivalent to 272,736 cubic metres per day or 60 million imperial gallons per day. While the contract duration has not been officially disclosed, it is expected to fall within a 20 to 25-year range.
