International companies have been invited to bid by 28 August for converting the 200-MW Tishreen power plant into a combined-cycle station. The scope of the project covers the installation of a 100-MW steam turbine and two heat recovery steam generators.

The project was first tendered in 2002, but PEEGT decided to cancel the tender after two preferred bidders overshot the budget target of $70 million. The Tishreen conversion is being financed with funds from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, with additional finance to be provided by Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank.

Ten international companies have already bought tender documents from PEEGT for the conversion of the Nasiriyeh power station, which has three 125-MW gas turbines. Proposals are due to be submitted on 2 July, but PEEGT is considering a three-week extension to 24 July due to companies' requests to allow for more time to prepare bids. The project was initially planned to be awarded in 2002, but the tender was aborted after only one company submitted a proposal.

The scope of the project has now been reduced to exclude the installation of an additional gas turbine, but it will cover three heat recovery steam boilers and one steam turbine unit. The upgrade will increase the plant's capacity by 150-180 MW.

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development will finance most of the Nasiriyeh scheme. Ireland's ESB International (ESBI)in 2001 was awarded the contracts to provide consultancy services for the conversion of the two plants (MEED 11:5:01).