The client, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), is looking to implement the programme on a fast-track basis, with the first part of the programme due to be completed in 2008.

About seven companies and groups have been invited to bid for the consultancy contract. They are Electricite de France, Ireland's ESB International, Germany's Fichtner with Belgrade-based Energoprojekt, Germany's Lahmeyer International, the UK's Mott MacDonald, PB Power, also of the UK, and Canada's SNC Lavalin.

Phase 7 calls for the installation of new substations in Doha, Ras Laffan, Al-Khor and Mesaieed. In total, Kahramaa is planning to build three 400-kV substations, four 220-kV substations, two 132-kV substations and 13 66-kV substations. In addition, there will be upgrades and modifications to about 25 existing substations ranging in size from 66-kV up to 400 kV. The overhead lines scope calls for 10 kilometres of new 400-kV transmission lines, about 50 kilometres of 220-kV line, 17 kilometres of 132-kV line and 27 kilometres of 66-kV line. Almost 150 kilometres of 66-400-kV cabling will also be laid.

A second phase is planned under the programme, with completion set for 2009/10 (MEED 2:12:05).