Bahrain moves forward with first private power plant

Bahrain has signed agreements with Belgium-based Tractebel EGI and Kuwait-based Gulf Investment Corp. (GIC) for the country's first independent power plant project.

Aug. 3, 2004

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Aug. 3 -- Bahrain has signed agreements with Belgium-based Tractebel EGI and Kuwait-based Gulf Investment Corp. (GIC) for the country's first independent power plant project.

The Al Ezzel Power Co., jointly owned by Tractebel and GIC, plans to build a $500 million combined cycle gas plant near the city of Manama. The Bahrain Ministry of Finance and National Economy awarded the project to the consortium.

The plant, which eventually will produce 950 Mw, is to be completed in two phases. The first phase will deliver 470 Mw by Apr. 30, 2006. The plant is slated to reach full capacity by May 1, 2007, when it will begin selling electricity to the Ministry of Electricity and Water under a 20-year agreement.