The scope of works for the estimated $700 million-800 million project calls for the construction of the plant in blocks C and D alongside the existing facility. In a change to the scope, the plant will now be fired by oil, not gas.

The PP9 scheme, which was first tendered in January 2004, is likely to be carried out on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis, although a final decision has still to be made. Arabian Bemco Contracting and National Contracting Company (NCC), both local, Germany's Siemens and the US' General Electric are prequalified to bid for the contract.