Officials at the ministry had been hoping to make an award soon. However, sources in Amman say that a number of obstacles remain in the part-privatisation that could derail the sale.

Amman is hoping the sale will lead to investment to boost Cegco's generating capacity to meet growing demand in the kingdom. Cegco's total generating capacity is 1,633 MW. Its biggest power plants are the 656-MW Aqaba station, the 396-MW Hussain plant and the 260-MW Rehab station. Once the Cegco sale is complete, Amman is planning to sell off 100 per cent of Electricity Distribution Company (Edco)and its 55.4 per cent stake in Irbid District Electricity Company.

The UK's Rothschildis advising the government on its power privatisation programme (MEED 12:8:05).