Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has announced the prequalification of nine developers from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, China, South Korea, and Japan, to bid for the Sitra Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP) project, reports Zawya.
This initiative aims to bolster Bahrain’s power and water infrastructure.
The planned facility will feature a power generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) and a seawater desalination capacity of 30 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD).
The announcement, made on 26 December 2024, follows an invitation to prequalify issued on 10 November 2024. The list of prequalified companies includes:
- Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company
- Gulf Investment Corporation
- China Machinery Engineering Corporation
- Korea Electric Power Corporation
- ACWA Power
- JERA Middle East and Africa Management Co
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
- Alghanim International General Trading and Contracting Co. - Foreign Branch
- Sumitomo Corporation
These nine firms will compete in an international tendering process to design, develop, and operate the integrated power and water facility. The project will follow a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model, ensuring private-sector involvement in Bahrain's utilities sector.
EWA plans to finalize and award the contract during the first quarter of 2025.
