The power capacity of the plant is between 1,800 and 2,400 MW. Construction is planned to start in July 2008, and operations are expected to commence in late 2011. The deadline for operations and maintenance provider bids is 7 January 2008.

For the engineering, procurement and construction contract to build the plant, eight prequalified contracting groups have until 23 February to submit bids (MEED 02:11:07)

Maaden is developing the Ras Al-Zour aluminium facility in conjunction with partner Rio Tinto Alcan. In addition to the power, steam and water plant, the complex will consist of an alumina refinery with capacity of 1.6 million tonnes a year (t/y) and an aluminium smelter with an initial capacity of 720,000 t/y. Bauxite feedstock will be sourced locally from the Al-Zabirah mine in the far northwest of the kingdom, and transported to Ras Al-Zour by rail.