Oman's Barka Water and Power Company has launched a formal process to sell, dismantle, and remove two seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants that have been out of operation since late 2024, reports Zawya.
The company announced the move through a statement to the Muscat stock exchange, inviting expressions of interest (EoIs) from potential buyers. The process is structured in two phases: the first covers the issuance of tender documents, access to a virtual data room containing relevant documents, drawings and reports, and site visits; the second involves the submission of commercial offers, including bid bonds.
Both plants were built with a 20-year design life, with approximately half of that lifespan still remaining. SWRO-1, capable of producing 45,500 cubic metres per day (m³/day), began commercial operations in the second quarter of 2014, with Spain's Abeinsa as the EPC contractor. SWRO-2, with a larger capacity of 57,000 m³/day, came online in the first quarter of 2016 under Australian EPC contractor Osmoflo.
The plants ceased operations after their water purchase agreements (WPAs) expired on September 29, 2024, following the completion of their extended terms. Barka noted that the plants have already been written down in the company's financial statements, and no material financial loss is anticipated from their disposal. The company added that it will seek all necessary regulatory approvals before proceeding.
Following the sale, Barka's remaining assets will consist of a 427-megawatt gas-fired power generation facility and a 91,000 m³/day Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) desalination plant.
Barka Water and Power Company's shareholders include ACWA Power with a 41.91 percent stake, the Civil Services Pension Fund at 9.95 percent, and the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund alongside public shareholders at 35 percent.
