The expansion of Arar, which is situated in the Eastern Province, involves the addition of four 25-30-MW combustion gas turbines to the existing six units, taking total power capacity at the plant to more than 200 MW.

The project is part of a broad capacity enhancement programme now being pursued by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) across the country. In November, Al-Toukhi won the contract to expand Rafha power plant in the Eastern Province by about 60 MW. Technical bids are also under evaluation for the 120-MW expansion of Tabuk power plant. The bidders are Al-Toukhi, Bemco, NCC and the Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC).

The largest SEC project under bid is the 400-MW expansion of Jeddah PP3. Bids for that project are due by late February, although the deadline is likely to be extended at the bidders' request. The expansion of Shouaiba power plant is also expected to be tendered in February (see below). Contractors now say they also expect SEC to approach consultants soon for the expansion of Riyadh PP9 power plant, which has a capacity of 1,286 MW.