Jordan’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry has identified first ranked bidders for each of the three contracts to advise the government on the creation of renewable energy projects.

The contracts cover the establishment of a regulatory framework for renewable energy, estimating renewable energy project costs and the integration of wind farms with the existing power grid.

US-based firm Nexant has been named preferred bidder to advise on the establishment of regulatory and institutional frameworks for renewable energy in Jordan.

Germany’s Fichtner and a consortium comprising the UK’s CMS Cameron McKenna, UK-based Ernst & Young and the local Ibrahim Bakr Law Office are also on the shortlist.

Three bids were submitted for the contract that were disqualified by the ministry:

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (UK)
• Gide Loyrette Nouel (France)/ Ali Sharif Zu’bi Law Firm (local)
• International Technical Assistance Consultants (Spain)/ Engineering, Studies and Projects NIP (Spain)

The second contract is for advisers to estimate prices for developing different forms of renewable energy.

A Spanish partnership of International Technical Assistance Consultants and Engineering, Studies and Projects NIP has been chosen as first-ranked bidder for the contract.

Dutch firm Kema International was also previously shortlisted for the contract, while bids from the following were disqualified:

• Nexant (US)
• Fichtner (Germany)
• IPA Energy + Water Economics (UK)/SgurrEnergy (UK)

The third contract is for advisers to work on the integration of wind farms in the national electric system. Italy’s CESI has been selected as preferred bidder for this contract.

Kema International was also prequalified for the third contract while the UK’s Mott Macdonald and Fichtner were disqualified.

The World Bank is assisting the ministry in its consultancy tender. The proposed recommendations have now been passed to the World Bank for its consent ahead of the contract awards.