News agency Reuters reported on 1 February 2012 that at least four groups were in line for the long-term lease of the Sydney desalination plant.
When bids close in mid-February, a short-list of three bidders will be drawn up. A final decision is expected in the middle of 2012.
Reuters‘ unnamed sources reported the bidders to include: (as reported by D&WR on 5 December 2011) Spanish desalination firm Acciona Agua with Mitsubishi Corp owned water utility Trility; a consortium of Queensland Investment Corp and Germany’s RREEf; and Industry Funds Management; plus a consortium of Hastings Diversified Utilities Fund and the Ontario Teachers Pension Fund.