The bidders for the 280-400-MW combined cycle scheme, which will be carried out on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis, are: Saudi Arabia's Xenel Industries, with Turkey's Gama; Dubai-based AES Oasis, with Japan's Mitsui & Company; and a consortium of Siemens Project Ventures, Belgium's Unit International and Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC). Nine groups were originally prequalified to bid for the project (MEED 24:6:05).

The US' K&M Engineering & Consultancy Corporation is advising the Energy & Mineral Resources Ministry. Tariff proposals for the project, which remained sealed when bids went in on 21 December, will be opened on 7 March in Amman.

The successful bidder will sign a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the government in the first half of 2006. The ministry is overseeing the IPP. The World Bank will provide guarantees for the project (MEED 9:12:05).