Local and international contractors are eligible to bid for the contract, which covers the supply and installation of four 250-MW generator units and detailed design and construction of underground waterways, vertical shafts, surge tanks, powerhouses and transformer caverns.

A successful local bidder would be required to introduce a foreign partner as equipment supplier. The package is estimated to be worth at least $300 million (see Tenders).

IWPC is expected to issue the tender for the estimated $100 million civil works package, covering the construction of two dams, by April. Due for completion in 2008, the 1,000-MW Siah Bisheh pumped storage power station will provide peak-load energy to the Iranian electricity grid.

Bidders will be required to submit their own financing proposals. IWPC had originally planned to tender the project on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis, but changed its plans because promoting the scheme to foreign investors had proved difficult.

IWPC is also evaluating bids for the contract to provide engineering consultancy services on the project. At least three international companies are understood to be competing for the contract, including Australia's SMEC, France's Electricite de France (EdF)and Germany's Lahmeyer International. Moshanir will be the local partner on the project.

IWPC has 7,500 MW of new hydropower capacity under construction and is studying the possibility of installing another 10,000 MW (Power, MEED Special Report, 2:8:02, pages 23-24).