Companies are due to submit proposals for the 50-60-MW expansion of Asir power station by 21 October. Bids are scheduled to be returned on the following day for another SEC contract, involving the addition of two 50-60-MW gas turbines to the Bisha power station. On 23 October, final proposals are due for the largest of the three expansion schemes, the installation of three new, 50-60-MW gas turbines at the Jizan power station. Bidders can bid for one or more of the contracts and are required to include the option to install an additional turbine at each power plant in the proposals. The three power projects are to be carried out within 20 months.

Companies that picked up bid documents for the projects include Al-Toukhi Contracting, Arabian Bemco Contracting, National Contracting Company, all local, Riyadh-based Saudi Archirodon Overseas, France's Alstomand Germany's Siemens.

SEC is planning to tender several other power station contracts. Tender documents are due to be released in September for a contract to add two 50-60-MW gas turbines at the Riyadh PP7 power station. Two other projects, covering the expansion of the Arar and Rafah power stations, will be retendered by SEC in the fourth quarter. The Arar project calls for the installation of four-five 25-30-MW gas turbines, while the Rafah scheme involves the installation of two 25-30-MW turbines (MEED 4:7:03).