Kuwait has shortlisted seven consortiums for the second phase of the Az Zour North Complex independent water and power producer (IWPP) project.
The decision by the ministry of electricity and water and Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) follows government approval of a US$ 10 billion spending programme focused on building new power and desalination capacity.
The shortlist included Abengoa; Acwa Power International; Korea Electric Power Corporation; Marubeni Corporation and Fouad AlGhanim and Sons Group; Sumitomo Corporation, Osaka Gas and National Industries Group Holding consortium; Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsui and Company.
The contract will cover development, design, engineering, construction, ownership, operation, maintenance and transfer of the power and desalination plant.
On completion, the gas-fired IWPP will have a power capacity of 1,800MW. and will produce desalinated water at more than 500 Ml/d.
Under a 25-year energy conversion and water purchase agreement, the ministry, will buy power and water from the plant.