Jordan’s Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry has invited developers to bid by 19 December to build its next wind farm at Fujeij.

Of the 16 prequalified companies, 13 attended a bidders’ conference held on 9 Augustm which included a site visit.

Bidders have been asked to outline financing plans showing ‘substantive conversations with lenders’

The request for proposals to build the project was issued in July. While companies were led to expect a December deadline, the 19 December cut-off date was finalised and the bidders were notified at the conference.

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.