The first phase of the plant will have the capacity to produce 160 MW of power and process 100,000 cubic metres day of water.

The plant will comprise two Frame-7 gas turbines and multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination technology. Work on the first phase of the plant is due for completion by the first quarter of 2003 and will complement the RCJY’s two existing facilities in Jubail (MEED 15:9:00).

Companies that have shown interest in similar projects in the past include Germany’s Deutsche Babcock, Belgium’s Tractebel, Italy’s Enelpower, Trindel of France and South Korea’s Hanjung as well as the local National Contracting Company (NCC) and the Saudi Binladin Group.