Germany's Siemensand France's Alstomscored highest following the technical evaluation, while Spain's Isolux is understood to have submitted the lowest price. Europe's ABB and Iran's Fulmenalso bid for the work. The government is financing the project (MEED 22:8:03;1:8:03).

The 400/230-kV tender is one of several substation contracts out to bid. Among the others are:

A PEEGT contract to supply two 230/66-kV gas-insulated substations (GIS) at Aleppo and Baramkeh. Siemens, Alstom and Isolux along with Austria's VA Tech have submitted bids for the $35 million package. A contract award is expected in early 2004.

Three turnkey contracts to design and install 25 66/20-kV substations in six different regions. The Public Establishment for Distribution & Exploitation of Electrical Energy has extended the bid deadlines for the three contracts to mid-December. The three packages are financed by a Eur 150 million ($169 million) loan from the European Investment Bank (MEED 24:10:03).

A contract to design and supply four 230/66-kV GIS at Aleppo, Al-Hasaka, Al-Raka and Hama. PEEGT has reissued the tender despite awarding the $19 million contract in late August to Lebanon's Matelecwith ABB. The retender was announced after India's Emcosubmitted a late low bid. The deadline for bids is 8 December (MEED 5:9:03). Matelec has been awarded an estimated $3 million contract to supply a 230/11-kV substation to Syrian Crude Oil Transportation Company. The contract involves the design and supply of the substation and associated civils.