Jordan’s Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry has extended the deadline for bids to build its next wind farm at Fujeij. Developers now have until 14 July to respond to the request for proposals.

According to a source close to the deal, the extension was granted “to enable bidders to review an environmental study which the government is currently undertaking.”

This follows a previous deadline extension as a result of changes to the project documentation based on a consultation between bidders and the ministry. Changes were made to the RFP and the power purchase agreement was revised.

The request for proposals to build the project was issued to 16 prequalified bidders in July 2010. The following companies were prequalified to bid:

• AES (US)
• Daewoo International (South Korea)/Unison (South Korea)
• Fersa (Spain)
• GDF Suez (France)
• International Constructional (Greece)/Damco (Greece)/Christopher D Constantinidis (Greece)
• K&M (US)/IESA (Spain)
• Mitsui (Japan)
• Sorgenia (Italy)
• Terna (Greece)/Enara (local)/Vector (Greece)
• Gecal (Spain)
• Kepco (South Korea)
• Eltech Anemos (Greece)
• Elecnor (Spain)
• Fortore (Italy)
• International Power (UK)
• Tecneira (Portugal)

Bidders have been asked to outline financing plans showing “substantive conversations with lenders”, according to a source close to the deal.

Feasibility studies by the government have indicated the proposed site, located near Shobak, 200 kilometres south of Amman, would be suitable for an initial 80-100MW facility. This could be increased to 250MW at a later date.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World Bank, is advising the government on the project.

The UK’s Trowers & Hamlins is legal adviser to the government on the Fujeij project, while US-based firm CRA International is financial adviser.