Local utilities provider Utico is preparing to tender a 40MW solar independent power project (IPP) in the UAE emirate of Ras al-Khamiah.

Utico has prequalified 16 companies to participate in the bidding process for the renewable energy scheme, and is planning to issue tender documents in the “next few weeks”, according to the company’s managing director Richard Menezes.

The proposed 40MW solar facility will use photovoltaic (PV) solar technology. Power generated from the plant will be used to provide power for Utico’s planned 22 million imperial gallons a day (MIGD) desalination plant, for which the utilities company recently signed a joint venture agreement with Spain’s Grupo Cobra to develop.

In November 2013, Utico announced plans to build solar and water power plant projects in Ras al-Khaimah worth an estimated total of $450m.

On 6 August, Grupo Cobra signed an agreement with Utico to develop a AED719m ($196m) independent water project (IWP).

The joint venture company will be called Al-Hamra Water Company, with Utico holding a 60 per cent share and Grupo Cobra holding the remaining 40 per cent. The 22 million-imperial-gallon-a-day (MIGD) reverse osmosis (RO) plant will be partly powered by a proposed 40MW solar plant, which Utico is also planning to develop.

The financial adviser for the project is the Netherlands’ KPMG.