PDO says it must collect more data on the Qarn Alam wellfield, which contains high-viscosity and low-permeability crude. The field's recovery forecast was revised upwards last year to 39.2 million cubic metres from 4.4 million cubic metres. The company plans to invite contractors to prequalify again once it has completed its studies.

Plans to build a 140-MW power station to service Qarn Alam remain unchanged, however. India's BHELhas a $54 million turnkey contract to build the power plant, which will utilise two 70-MW Frame 6/FA gas turbines, switchgear, and transmission and overhead lines. The plant will eventually supply proposed Qarn Alam steam injection facilities with 35 MW of power (MEED 11:1:02).