Abu Dhabi has finalised the prequalification list for the world’s largest independent water project (IWP).

MEED previously reported that the emirate received prequalification documents from developers on 19 March. According to sources close to the project, the project team for the IWP has finalised the prequalification list and is waiting for it to be approved by management before it is announced.

The 200 million imperial gallon a day (MIGD) Taweelah IWP is being overseen by the newly established Department of Energy, which has taken over Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea).

The client is likely to set a bid submission date in October, before shortlisting bidders in December. The signing of the water purchase agreement is slated for February 2019, with financial close to scheduled by May 2019. The project is due to be commissioned by October 2022.

The standalone desalination plant will be developed on a build, own and operate basis, with the successful bidder to take a 40 per cent stake in the project company formed to develop the scheme. A wholly owned subsidiary of Adwea will take the remaining 60 per cent stake.

The IWP will be located at the existing Taweelah power and water facility, 45km north of Abu Dhabi city. The plant will use reverse osmosis technology.

Abu Dhabi has appointed ILF Consulting Engineers as technical adviser, Alderbrook Finance as financial adviser and White & Case as legal adviser for the Taweelah scheme.

While Abu Dhabi has implemented several independent water and power projects (IWPPs) over the past 20 years, the planned IWP would be the emirate’s first privately financed standalone desalination plant.