Jordan’s Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry has extended the deadline for bids to build its next wind farm at Fujeij.

Bidders now have until 2 May to respond to the request for proposals (RFP). According to a source close to the deal, the extension was granted because “there were a number of significant changes to the project documentation based on the consultation undertaken with the bidders”.

Changes were made to the RFP and the power purchase agreement was revised as a result of the consultation.

This is the second time that the deadline has been moved. The original 19 December deadline was pushed back to 7 March before the latest extension.

The request for proposals to build the project was issued to 16 prequalified bidders in July 2010.

The following companies have been 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.