Oman to launch new Salalah power project

Oman's Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has announced to the Oman Daily Observer that it has launched a tender for the first stage of development for a new power project in Salalah. The scheme, which is expected to see the construction of a 250MW power plant, has been opened to tender for the selection of consultants. The scheme will also produce around 10 million gallons of desalinated water per day when constructed.

OPWP is reported to have invited proposals from consultants to provide financial advisory and commercial services, with a similar tender for technical and legal services expected next week. This process, according to the Oman Daily Observer, is expected to accelerate the project which is targeted for a 2016 completion date.

Peak power demand on the Salalah system has been forecast by OPWP to grow by 10% per year, rising from 348MW last year to 690MW in 2018. With demand likely to be so substantial, OPWP has retained the option to increase the electricity output at the new plant if required.