Kuwait has officially launched the international bidding for the Al Khairan Phase I Independent Hydroelectric Project (IWPP), a major project aimed at enhancing the country's energy and water security capabilities. The project is jointly promoted by the Kuwait Partnership Project Management Authority (KAPP) and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy (MEWRE), marking a crucial step for Kuwait in upgrading its critical infrastructure.

The IWPP project is a comprehensive facility that integrates power generation and seawater desalination, with a planned net power generation capacity of at least 1800 megawatts and a seawater desalination capacity of 33 million gallons per day. The project site is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Kuwait City, adjacent to the existing Az Zour South Power Plant. In terms of energy selection, the project will use a mixed fuel of liquefied natural gas and high-pressure natural gas, and be equipped with gas oil as a backup to ensure stable and reliable operation. After the project is completed, the generated electricity and fresh water will be directly connected to Kuwait's national power grid and water pipeline network. To ensure long-term benefits of the project, the project party will sign a 25 year Energy Conversion and Water Purchase Agreement (ECWPA) with MEWRE.

This bidding has attracted the attention of top global energy companies, with a strong lineup of shortlisted bidders including a consortium consisting of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Kuwait's A.H Al Sagar&Brothers, and Japan's JERA, a consortium of Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power and Kuwait's Gulf Investment Corporation, and a consortium consisting of China Power International Limited, Malaysia's Malakoff, and Saudi Arabia's Ajlan Brothers Group. In addition, Qatar's Nebula Power Group and Japan's Sumitomo Group also participated in the competition as independent bidders.

The Kuwait Ministry of Water and Electricity has hired Ernst&Young as the lead financial advisor, Anrui Shunde Law Firm as the legal advisor, and Atkins Group to provide technical and environmental consulting support. The smooth progress of this project is expected to inject strong momentum into Kuwait's sustained economic and social development in 2025 and beyond, and deepen its cooperation in the global energy sector. Editor/Yang Beihua