The Privatization Supervisory Committee for the Environment, Water and Agriculture sectors, Saudi Arabia announced in a statement that it has suspended the privatization of Ras Al Khair Desalination and Power Plant.
The statement mentioned that, this decision was made in in order to capitalize on knowledge and capacity built in the Kingdom as a result of many years of experience in the areas of water desalination, new technologies, R&D and supply chains. A new engagement strategy and plan for the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) assets such as Ras Al Khair plant will be announced shortly.
The Committee expressed its appreciation for the interest expressed in the tender by local and international companies and consortia (read more).
It stated that it will continue to engage investors in future PPP and privatization transactions in the water sector, and new greenfield investment opportunities will be launched in due course.
During the interim, SWCC will continue to be responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Ras Al Khair desalination and power plant, ensuring the continuity and security of supply of water and power to clients., statement said.
The Ras Al-Khair plant, which began production in 2015, has current operating desalination capacity of 1.05 million cubic meters per day in addition to generating electricity with a capacity of 2,650 MW. The plant utilizes a hybrid-configuration of multi-stage flash thermal desalination and reverse osmosis membrane technology.
