Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has received bids from Saudi Arabia’s Acwa and Abu Dhabi’s Taqa for the Sitra Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP), one of the kingdom’s largest utility developments. 

The project will be delivered under a build-own-operate model and is designed to strengthen Bahrain’s long-term energy and water security while supporting economic and industrial expansion.

The Sitra IWPP will combine a thermal power plant with a net contracted capacity of 1,400–1,500 MW and a seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility capable of producing 30 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of potable water. 

The project is a key component of Bahrain’s strategy to replace aging infrastructure, improve efficiency, and reduce reliance on natural gas.

The Electricity and Water Authority said the winning bidder will be responsible for developing an integrated facility with advanced power and water production systems, including large-scale SWRO desalination technology.

The plant is expected to significantly boost national electricity generation and drinking water output, helping meet rising demand from residential, commercial, and industrial users across the kingdom.

The tender follows a pre-qualification process involving six international and regional developers, including companies from Japan, South Korea, China, Kuwait, and the Gulf region. 

These include Jera, Sumitomo Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), China Energy Engineering Corporation, and Gulf Investment Corporation, alongside Acwa Power and Taqa.

Once completed, the Sitra IWPP will play a central role in enhancing Bahrain’s utility infrastructure, ensuring more reliable supply, improved energy efficiency, and stronger resilience for future growth.