The Jeddah PP3 expansion will involve the installation of eight units of between 60-80 MW at an auxiliary plant. Contractors have been given until 22 February to submit bids for the estimated $200 million-300 million contract.

Prequalification for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package on the Shouaiba phase 2 expansion will close on 14 December. The project will be carried out in two stages, both comprising the addition of three 350-MW steam turbines. However, a tender for the project is unlikely to be released until the second half of 2003. The consultant is the UK's PB Power, with the Saudi Consulting Service (Saudconsult).

Technical bids for the 120-MW expansion of Tabuk power plant are still under evaluation. Commercial bids were scheduled to be opened in late November, but will now be opened in mid-December. Bidders included Al-Toukhi Contracting, National Contracting Company (NCC)and Arabian Bemco Contracting, all local, and Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC).

Contractors were also due to submit bids in mid-December for the expansion of Arar power plant in the Eastern Province. The project will involve the addition of four 25-30-MW combustion gas turbines, burning distillate fuel oil, to the existing capacity of six 17-MW units.