Phase 3 entails the installation of a 60 million-gallon-a-day (g/d) multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plant. The project will also involve the construction of a 220-kV electrical transmission system and the installation of a supply pipeline to convey water from Hidd to the main island via the Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman causeway.

Hidd already comprises four 7.5 million-g/d MSF units powered by two 140-MW gas turbines. The new desalination units will be powered by a further three 13/A2 gas turbines being installed by France's Alstom Powerunder the 700-MW phase 2 expansion programme, which is due for final commissioning in 2004 (Construction, MEED Special Report, 5:7:02, page 20).