Manama: Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), announced the launch of an international tender for the development and implementation of the Sitra Independent Water and Power Production Plant (IWPP). The project aims to establish a capacity of approximately 1400-1500 megawatts (MW) of electricity and 30 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of potable water through a strategic partnership with the private sector under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) system.
According to Bahrain News Agency, EWA has completed the pre-qualification process for developers, with seven leading global companies and consortia qualified in developing Independent Water and Power Production (IWPP) plants. These include Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), ACWA Power, Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), JERA, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Sumitomo Corporation, and a consortium of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEMC) and China Datang (Overseas Hong Kong). EWA has invited contractors and investors to engage directly with these entities to explore partnership opportunities and exchange expertise for the project.
The Sitra IWPP project will utilize the latest global technologies for high operational efficiency and quality standards in electricity generation and seawater desalination using reverse osmosis (RO) technology. The operational testing phase and initial commercial operation of 600 MW of electricity and 30 MIGD of water are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2028, with full commercial operation slated for the second quarter of 2029.
Mohammed stated that the project aligns with EWA's plan to replace outdated plants with more efficient ones, leveraging modern technologies to reduce natural gas consumption. This initiative supports better resource efficiency and Bahrain's efforts to lower carbon emissions and achieve environmental sustainability.
He further emphasized that the project will be developed using the latest global technologies to enhance operational efficiency, supporting strategic directions toward sustainable transformation. It aims to fortify infrastructure readiness to cater to comprehensive development needs and support economic and urban growth in the Kingdom.
The president highlighted the strategic importance of this project to bolster electricity and water infrastructure and secure sustainable electricity and water supply. It reflects EWA's vision to promote sustainability in Bahrain's electricity and water production sector, working with the private sector to expand production capacity in line with urban and economic growth, and contributing to the Kingdom's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Mohammed underscored the significance of collaborations with the private sector to improve efficiency and meet the increasing demand for essential services, enhancing Bahrain's capability to address future challenges. This project is part of EWA's ongoing efforts to advance the energy and water sector, following the launch of an international tender for the Al Hidd Independent Water Production Plant and the announcement of Bahrain's first solar-powered electricity and water production plant, in collaboration with the private sector. The solar plant, with a capacity of around 150 MW, is expected to have its tender launched in the fourth quarter of this year.