The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain has released a tender for a new solar power project. This project, set to be built at the University of Bahrain (UOB) campus, will have a capacity of 44 megawatt-peak (MWp).
The solar photovoltaic (PV) plant is expected to generate about 75 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity each year. This will contribute to Bahrain’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2035 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.
The project will be developed across open land and car parks within the UOB campus. The solar installation will include both ground-mounted and car park PV systems. EWA will implement the project on a turnkey basis. This means the chosen contractor will handle all aspects of the project, including engineering, design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and necessary civil and electromechanical works.
The tender for this project was published on November 7, 2024. Interested companies have until November 21 to purchase tender documents. They must submit their proposals by December 1, and the bid opening is set for December 2, 2024. Once a contractor is chosen, they will have two years to complete the project.
To be eligible, companies must meet several criteria. They need to show experience in developing at least ten grid-tied solar PV projects, including two car park PV projects and one ground-mounted PV project, within the last three years. They must also have managed a grid-connected solar plant with a capacity of at least 20 MW in the past five years.
Additionally, bidders are required to demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of $50 million over the last three years. They must also maintain an average liquidity ratio of 1.5 or higher, supported by audited financial reports.
