An international tender has been launched for the development and implementation of the Hidd Independent Water Production Plant with a planned capacity of 60 million imperial gallons per day of potable water, said a top official.
The project will be executed through a strategic partnership with the private sector under a Build-Own-Operate model, added Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) president Kamal Ahmed.
The EWA has completed the pre-qualification process for developers, resulting in the qualification of nine companies and consortia with proven expertise in developing Independent Water Production projects.
The qualified entities include: Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, ACWA Power Company, Gulf Investment Corporation, GS Inima, Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company, JERA Middle East and Africa Management Company, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Sumitomo Corp, and China Machinery Engineering Corporation.
“The EWA encourages interested contractors and investors to directly engage with the pre-qualified entities to explore potential partnerships and foster collaboration in delivering this strategic infrastructure project,” said Mr Ahmed in a statement yesterday.
The project will leverage advanced reverse osmosis technologies known for their high operational efficiency and world-class quality standards.
Commercial operations are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2028, following the commissioning and performance testing phases.
Mr Ahmed underscored that the project aligns with EWA’s strategic plan to replace older plants with more modern and efficient plants that reduce natural gas consumption.
This supports the kingdom’s efforts to optimise resource utilisation and reduce carbon emissions, in line with Bahrain’s environmental sustainability goals.
The official reaffirmed that the initiative represented a key milestone in strengthening the kingdom’s water infrastructure and ensuring long-term water security.
“It reflects EWA’s continued commitment to sustainability across the electricity and water sectors by enhancing collaboration with the private sector to expand production capabilities,” said Mr Ahmed.
The project supports Bahrain’s sustainable development objectives and national commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, he added.
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